NDP member of parliament Silvana Afonsoewa has doubts about the suitability of former Minister of Finance and Planning Armand Achaibersing as chairman of the Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij (VHP). According to her, leading a political party such as the VHP is no simple task, and the question is whether Achaibersing can withstand the political pressure that comes with the chairmanship.
“I do not know whether he could handle the political pressure,” Afonsoewa said on Sunday in the programme Retrospectie. She was responding to Achaibersing’s candidacy, as he has made himself available for the chairmanship of the VHP.
The NDP member of parliament questioned the political leadership of the former minister. In doing so, she referred to his departure as Minister of Finance and Planning in 2022. “Before long, he will resign again and leave the chairmanship of the VHP,” Afonsoewa remarked.
According to her, leading a political party such as the VHP requires different qualities from managing a ministry. She considers the party chairmanship an even more demanding task. “It is not an easy job to lead the VHP,” she stressed.
Afonsoewa praises Santokhi’s political leadership
Afonsoewa believes that the VHP needs a chairman who is politically experienced and resilient. In that context, she referred to former party chairman Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
“You can say whatever you want about Chan, but Chan was Chan,” she stated. According to Afonsoewa, Santokhi had the ability to absorb political setbacks and remain standing under pressure. “You could not easily walk all over him.”
The parliamentarian also pointed to Santokhi’s political stature and the number of votes he obtained during the 2025 elections. According to her, this underscores the prominent position he held within the VHP.
According to Afonsoewa, Mathoera is also a suitable candidate
Notably, Afonsoewa had expected former Minister of Defence and current VHP member of parliament Krishnakoemarie Mathoera to stand as a candidate for the party chairmanship.
“Mathoera has the stature and a certain political career,” she said. At the same time, Afonsoewa doubts whether the VHP is ready for a female party chairman.
Now that Achaibersing and Asiskumar Gajadien are being considered for the chairmanship, she believes it is important that the party chooses someone with sufficient political experience and leadership qualities.
Although Afonsoewa is critical of Achaibersing’s candidacy, she does not rule out that the former minister can develop in the position. According to her, it is possible that he will gradually learn the political skills required by the chairmanship.
