Jennifer Geerlings-Simons

Surinamese politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons (née Simons; born 5 September 1953 in Paramaribo[1]) is a Surinamese politician. On 30 June 2010, she was elected as Chairperson of the National Assembly of Suriname with 26 out of 50 votes. Simons is the second female chairman of the Surinamese Parliament. She was re-elected on 30 June 2015.[2] In 2024, she became the leader of the National Democratic Party.[3]

Quick Facts Leader of the National Democratic Party, Preceded by ...
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons
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Geerlings-Simons in 2010
Leader of the National Democratic Party
Assumed office
13 July 2024
Preceded byDési Bouterse
Chairperson of the National Assembly of Suriname
In office
30 June 2010  28 June 2020
Preceded byPaul Somohardjo
Succeeded byRonnie Brunswijk
Member of the National Assembly
In office
1996–2020
ConstituencyParamaribo District
Personal details
Born
Jennifer Simons

(1953-09-05) 5 September 1953 (age 71)
Paramaribo, Suriname
Political partyNational Democratic Party
SpouseGlenn Geerlings (1981-)
Children3
ResidenceParamaribo
Alma materAnton de Kom University of Suriname (Drs.)
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Biography

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Simons was first elected as a member of the National Assembly in 1996, representing the district of Paramaribo. She served as one of the vice-chairpersons of the National Democratic Party, which was founded by Dési Bouterse. She was leader of the parliamentary fraction from 2000 until 2006.

In April 2012, Simons was accused by the opposition in the parliament of dictatorial behaviour because of her decision to forbid members of the parliament from referring to the amnesty law of April 2012 during a debate on the anti-stalking law.[4]

On 8 April 2020, the Law Exceptional Condition COVID-19 (State of Emergency) has been approved by the National Assembly in order to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.[5] The State of Emergency will go into effect for three months unless the National Assembly one-off extends the duration for another three months.[6] Simons was appointed to lead the Parliamentary COVID-19 Crisis Management Team.[7]

On 20 June 2020, Simons announced her retirement from politics. She had been elected in the 2020 Surinamese general election, but has decided not to take her seat. Stephen Tsang who was on 6th place on the NDP list, is now eligible for the National Assembly.[8]

On 13 July 2024, she succeeded Dési Bouterse as the leader of the National Democratic Party.[3]

Personal life

In 1981, Simons married Glenn Geerlings. They have 3 children.[citation needed]

References

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