There is division within the governing coalition over the political future of Minister of Justice and Security Harish Monorath. During a coalition summit on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, several proposals were discussed on how to address the issue involving the minister.
According to ABOP chairman Ronnie Brunswijk, some coalition partners believe Monorath should take a step back, while others do not support this. A20 chairman Steven Reyme confirms that agreements have been made, but stresses that President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons will ultimately decide.
After the coalition consultations, both Reyme and Brunswijk spoke with Sun about the discussions. The issue surrounding Monorath, who is under pressure because of his involvement with the Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS, Telecommunications Authority Suriname), was an important topic of discussion.
According to Reyme, the various circumstances and the criminal complaint against the minister were discussed. According to him, the coalition summit can offer advice and proposals, but ultimate responsibility lies with the head of state.
Reyme: President must announce agreements herself
The A20 chairman stated that the consultations took place in a good atmosphere and that agreements were made. However, he did not wish to comment on the outcomes.
Reyme indicated that a decision has been made, but did not specify exactly what it concerns. According to him, out of respect for the institution of the president, it is up to Simons to make the agreements reached and her position public. The politician expects the head of state herself to provide clarity on the further course of events.
A20 advocates proper governance and careful investigation
Asked about A20’s position, Reyme stressed that his party adheres to the principle of proper governance.
According to him, irregularities must be addressed, regardless of who is involved. At the same time, he believes that allegations should not be considered proven without an investigation.
Reyme pointed out that several reports on the matter have appeared in the media, but that it must first be established what actually happened.
If an investigation shows that someone has committed theft or other violations of the law, that person must be held accountable, according to the A20 chairman. Dismissal could be a possible consequence, he said.
For the time being, Reyme advocates awaiting the investigation and giving the president room to make a considered decision.
Brunswijk confirms differences of opinion within coalition
ABOP chairman Ronnie Brunswijk confirmed afterwards that the coalition partners have taken different positions on Monorath’s position.
According to him, some representatives believe that the minister should take a step back, while others think differently.
Brunswijk stated that proposals were ultimately made on how the matter could be addressed further. He gave no clarity on the precise content of these proposals.
It therefore remains unknown for now whether the coalition has reached agreement on Monorath remaining in office or stepping down.
Brunswijk defends Monorath’s actions at TAS
During the interview, Brunswijk again spoke extensively about the allegations against Monorath regarding his previous actions as president-commissioner of TAS.
According to the ABOP chairman, Monorath acted at the time on the basis of decisions and instructions from the competent authorities.
Brunswijk referred to a council proposal and a presidential resolution, which, according to him, stipulated that the then president-commissioner was tasked with implementing certain decisions.
He thereby disputes the allegation that Monorath acted on his own authority in signing a controversial agreement.
According to Brunswijk, the then responsible minister had also given permission during a meeting for the work in question to be carried out.
This explanation is Brunswijk’s position. Whether the documents mentioned actually provided sufficient legal grounds for Monorath’s actions has therefore not been established.
Documents on instructions from presidential cabinet
The ABOP chairman further stated that during his talks with the president, he submitted documents which, according to him, show that Monorath carried out work at the request of the then Kabinet van de President (Office of the President) and the Kabinet van de Vicepresident (Office of the Vice President).
According to Brunswijk, this includes requests for work on behalf of the state.
The ABOP chairman argues that these documents are important in assessing the allegations. He believes a distinction must be made between someone acting unlawfully independently and someone carrying out an instruction from a competent authority.
The documents and their legal significance have not yet been independently established.
New meeting with president on Thursday
Brunswijk announced that he will appear again with Monorath before President Simons on Thursday, November 12.
During that meeting, further discussion must take place about the submitted documents and the minister’s position.
The developments follow the criminal complaint filed by the current Raad van Commissarissen (Board of Commissioners) of TAS against Monorath and former TAS director Wendy Jap-A-Joe. The complaint is related, among other things, to the controversial employment contract concluded in 2021.
A criminal complaint does not mean that those involved have actually committed criminal offences.
President has final say
Although agreements were made during the coalition summit, it remains unclear what consequences the consultations will have for Monorath’s ministerial position.
Reyme stresses that the president is ultimately responsible for the decision. Meanwhile, Brunswijk maintains his position that Monorath’s actions must be assessed on the basis of the decisions and documents which, according to him, underlie those actions.
Monorath’s political future therefore depends for the time being on President Simons’ further assessment and the announced follow-up meeting.
