Jules Albert Wijdenbosch (2 May 1941 – 30 April 2025) was a Surinamese politician who served as the 7th President of Suriname from 1996 to 2000. Prior to his presidency he was Prime Minister of Suriname from 1987 to 1988, and the 2nd Vice President of Suriname in 1991.
Early life
Jules Albert Wijdenbosch was born in Paramaribo on 2 May 1941. He was a trade union and youth leader and worked in a port as a customs officer. He studied political science and public administration in the University of Amsterdam. In 1975 he published a booklet titled Schets Surinaamse Republiek Eigen Stijl (Sketch of the Surinamese Republic in its own style), in which he called for the formation of a government with many councils and extensive authority for the president.
Career
Wijdenbosch was a member of the National Democratic Party, which held absolute power in Suriname during the 1980s. From 1987 to 1988, he served asPrime Minister of Suriname and held concurrent positions as minister of Home Affairs, Justice and Foreign Affairs.
From 1996 to 2000, Wijdenbosch served as president of Suriname.
The Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge was constructed over the Suriname River during his presidency. He attempted to sell Suriname's state-owned oil company Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname in 1997, but was blocked by the company's management and its union.
Suriname's currency was devalued by the government in 1999, and inflation rose to 150%. A national strike broke out and Wijdenbosch's entire cabinet resigned. The 2000 election was held early due to protests against how Wijdenbosch's government handled the economy.
Death
Wijdenbosch died in Paramaribo on 30 April 2025, and was given a state funeral.