President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons confirmed on Thursday, November 12, 2026, that the position of Minister of Justice and Security Harish Monorath has become untenable. Following talks with the minister and examination of the submitted documents, it was decided that he cannot remain in office. According to the head of state, Monorath’s resignation will be accepted.
The president made this statement to journalists after consultations on Monorath’s political future. According to her, all available documents and statements were taken into consideration before the conclusion was reached that the situation that had arisen was no longer tenable.
“We have come to the conclusion that an untenable situation has arisen,” Simons stated. She indicated that this conclusion was also discussed with the minister.
Resignation or dismissal
During the press briefing, the president was asked why the minister himself was given the opportunity to submit his resignation. Her response showed that Monorath’s departure was certain for her. The minister had to step down himself or would be dismissed.
Simons made it clear that the decision weighs heavily on her. “It is unfortunate, of course. I would like to have my minister for five years. I was not waiting for this,” the head of state said.
When asked what exactly had made the situation untenable, she did not wish to elaborate. The president referred to information that had emerged in recent times about the matter.
Brunswijk disagrees with decision
The decision also appears to have political consequences within the governing coalition. ABOP chairman Ronnie Brunswijk reportedly cannot accept Monorath’s departure.
When the president was asked about this, she indicated that everyone has the right to hold a different opinion.
Brunswijk has repeatedly defended Monorath in recent days. He stated that the minister, during his previous position as president-commissioner of the Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS), acted on the basis of decisions and instructions from the government at the time.
During earlier talks with the president, documents were submitted which, according to Brunswijk, support this account. Key News previously reported on the divisions within the coalition and the submitted documents.
Successor not yet known
It is not yet clear who will succeed Monorath as Minister of Justice and Security. The ministerial post is filled within the current political cooperation by the ABOP.
Simons did not wish to speculate during the press briefing on who the new minister will be and whether that person will again come from the ranks of the ABOP.
TAS issue prompts political pressure
Monorath’s departure follows a period of increasing political pressure over his involvement in the matter surrounding TAS.
The current Raad van Commissarissen of TAS has filed a criminal complaint against Monorath and former director Wendy Jap-A-Joe. The complaint concerns, among other things, the establishment and implementation of an employment contract from 2021, which Monorath signed at the time as president-commissioner.
Monorath has denied the allegations of acting without authority and stated that he acted on the basis of a presidential resolution and government decisions. The filed criminal complaint does not mean that criminal guilt has been established.
With Thursday’s statement, President Simons made it clear that she no longer sees any room for Monorath to remain as Minister of Justice and Security.
