Somohardjo: “Suriname’s greatest enemy is the loss of hope”

Somohardjo stated that the Surinamese people have shown patience for fifty years and deserve more than just political discussions about debts, loans, deficits, and purchasing power. According to him, the budget should not be seen exclusively as a financial document, but also as a roadmap for the country that Suriname wants to build.

“Suriname’s greatest enemy is the moment a people loses its hope. The moment a mother no longer believes her children will have a better life than she did. The moment a young person no longer believes their future lies here. The moment a citizen no longer believes that justice exists,” Somohardjo said.

The PL floor leader acknowledged that themes such as debts, loans, purchasing power, and budget deficits are important, but warned that politics must not focus blindly on those alone. “When this budget has been implemented, when these debts have been paid, and when these discussions are over, what kind of Suriname are we building? Every budget is about priorities, but priorities without a destination are merely expenditures,” he said.

Somohardjo emphasized that the current generation of leaders bears a special responsibility. According to him, this generation must ensure that Suriname is left stronger, more just, and more prosperous for future generations.

“Our ancestors were tasked with surviving. Our parents were tasked with building an independent Suriname. Our generation has the task of ensuring that Suriname finally becomes what it always could have been,” he stated.

According to Somohardjo, history will not judge the current generation by what it inherited, but by what it leaves behind. He therefore called for policy-making to look beyond figures and budget items, and above all to work on restoring trust, perspective, and justice in society.