Jules Wijdenbosch

Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox Politician

Jules Albert Wijdenbosch (2 May 1941 – 30 April 2025) was a Surinamese politician who was President of Suriname from 1996 to 2000<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and prime minister from 1987 to 1988.

Life and career

Wijdenbosch was born in Paramaribo on 2 May 1941.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="Times">Template:Cite web</ref>

He was a member of the National Democratic Party, which held absolute power in Suriname during the 1980s. From 13 February 1987 he was Prime Minister of Suriname and held concurrent positions as minister of Home Affairs, Justice and Foreign Affairs. He served as Prime Minister until 26 January 1988<ref name="Times"/> before becoming Vice President from January 1991 until September 1991.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

From 1996 to 2000 he was president of Suriname. His cabinet was characterized by a large number of reshuffles. During his administration the bridge over the Suriname River was also built and was later named after him.<ref name=timeline>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Wijdenbosch died in Paramaribo on 30 April 2025, at the age of 83.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>