On July 30, a controversial statement by a ruling coalition lawmaker in Suriname brought the National Assembly’s proceedings to an abrupt halt, after the body was adjourned indefinitely amid cross-coalition protest over Cedric van Samson’s refusal to apologize for claiming the country should never again elect a woman to the presidency.
The controversy erupted after excerpts from an interview van Samson, a member of the ruling VHP party, gave to Amsterdam-based Stanvaste Radio emerged publicly. In the published clip, van Samson was quoted saying, “That is why we must never have a woman as president again. We must never make this mistake again.” The inflammatory remarks immediately triggered fierce backlash across the 130-seat legislature, with lawmakers from all ruling coalition factions lining up to condemn the comments.
The debate was opened by NDP lawmaker Tashana Lösche, who pointed out that Suriname’s National Assembly is a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a global organization dedicated to advancing women’s political participation. Lösche argued that van Samson’s words not only undermine the social and political standing of women across Suriname, but also damage the international reputation of the national parliament itself.
Acting VHP faction leader Dew Sharman attempted to defend van Samson, claiming his remarks had been taken out of context. Sharman argued that only a small fragment of the full-length interview was released to the public, creating a distorted narrative that he described as deliberate framing of both van Samson and the VHP. He emphasized that the VHP has a record of supporting women for senior public office.
For his part, van Samson stood by his refusal to retract the comments or issue a formal apology. He acknowledged that only selected excerpts of his interview were published, but maintained he did not make any misstatement beyond what was reported. He argued he was only expressing the disappointment of citizens who are critical of the current president’s performance, and called for the full interview to be released before any judgment is passed.
This explanation failed to convince a majority of the legislature. NDP lawmaker Jennifer Vreedzaam noted that van Samson’s remarks targeted not just the sitting president, but all women across Suriname who hold political ambitions, and repeated calls for him to issue a public apology. NDP faction leader Rabin Parmessar called it incomprehensible that van Samson would refuse to backtrack on his comments despite widespread calls from fellow assembly members, stressing that parliament must send a clear, strong message against gender discrimination. Under the circumstances, Parmessar added, the coalition could not continue with scheduled parliamentary business. Irshaad Fateh Mohammed of the NPS party echoed this sentiment, stating “Respect is non-negotiable,” adding that words that diminish women ultimately diminish the entire Surinamese society.
PL faction leader Bronto Somohardjo argued that women deserve greater protection and respect in public life. Citing a well-known comment from rapper Tupac, he noted that every person is born from a woman, warning that barring women from senior public office sets a dangerous precedent for the country. He said more than an apology was needed: lasting cultural and behavioral change is required to address gender bias in politics.
Multiple other male lawmakers from across the ruling coalition voiced full solidarity with colleagues critical of van Samson’s remarks. Ivanildo Plein of the NPS backed the decision of female assembly members to walk out in protest, saying coalition parties needed to hold new internal discussions before parliamentary business can resume. Jeffrey Lou, also of the NPS, highlighted the heavy social and community responsibilities women bear every day, noting that parliament should be setting an example of respect for women in public life. ABOP lawmaker Stanley Betterson called for mutual respect between men and women, emphasizing the importance of gender balance and equal dignity across all sections of Surinamese society.
After a temporary suspension of proceedings failed to resolve the standoff, all female ruling coalition lawmakers announced they would leave the assembly chamber in protest, and monitor any remaining proceedings remotely. Shortly after their exit, all male coalition lawmakers declared they stood in solidarity with the protesting women, with many joining the walkout. NDP lawmaker Ebu Jones was among those who left the chamber in solidarity, and issued a scathing rebuke of van Samson’s position.
Speaking on behalf of Suriname’s six ruling coalition parties, Parmessar requested assembly speaker Ashwin Adhin adjourn the session indefinitely. Parmessar said the entire coalition was ashamed of the situation that unfolded, and issued a formal apology to the Surinamese public, and to women across the country in particular, for the controversy.
In his final ruling to adjourn the session, speaker Adhin confirmed that while the controversial comments were made outside the assembly chamber, van Samson made the remarks in his capacity as an elected people’s representative. Adhin referenced the constitutional ban on discrimination in Suriname, and the legal and ethical responsibility of elected lawmakers to uphold equal rights even outside of official parliamentary business. Calling the situation completely unacceptable, Adhin ordered the session adjourned for an indefinite period.
