Johan Kraag

Johannes Samuel Petrus "Johan" Kraag (29 July 1913 – 24 May 1996) was a Surinamese politician who served as the President of Suriname from 29 December 1990, until 16 September 1991.[1][2]

Johan Kraag
5th President of Suriname
In office 29 December 1990 – 16 September 1991
Vice President	Jules Wijdenbosch
Preceded by	Ramsewak Shankar
Succeeded by	Ronald Venetiaan
3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Suriname
In office 15 February 1964 – 5 March 1969
Prime Minister	Johan Adolf Pengel
Preceded by	Sewraam Rambaran Mishre
Succeeded by	Harry Radhakishun
Minister of Social Affairs
In office 30 June 1963 – 5 March 1969
Prime Minister	Johan Adolf Pengel
Preceded by	Emile Ensberg
Succeeded by	August Biswamitre
Personal details
Born	Johannes Samuel Petrus Kraag 29 July 1913 Hamilton, Coronie, Suriname
Died	24 May 1996 (aged 82)
Nationality	Surinamese
Political party	NPS
Occupation	Politician

Career

Kraag was a member of the National Party of Suriname. He served as the Chairman of the Estates of Suriname from 1958 to 1963.[3] In 1963, Kraag joined the Pengel cabinet as Minister of Social Affairs. He was subsequently named Deputy Prime Minister of Suriname as well. He retired from politics after the 1969 Surinamese general election, although he was still widely respected. The Surinamese daily De Vrije Stem suggested Kraag as a candidate for ambassador to the Netherlands in 1974; [4] in 1979, the newspaper Nieuwe Leidsche Courant considered him as a potential successor to President Johan Ferrier. [5]

After democracy was restored in 1987, Kraag accepted the title of "Honorary Chairman" of the NPS. However, he joined the party's moderate wing, which protested against leader Henck Arron's tight control on internal party decisions.[6]

On 22 December 1990, Bouterse resigned from the Army after a disagreement with President Ramsewak Shankar.[7] On 24 December a military coup known as the "telephone coup" ousted President Shankar, and Ivan Graanoogst was appointed as Acting President.[7] On 29 December, Kraag was chosen by the National Assembly as President of Suriname. Jules Wijdenbosch, a supporter of Bouterse, was appointed Vice President.[7] On 30 December, Kraag approved the Army's request to reinstate Bouterse as Commander of the Army,[7] and Bouterse officially returned on 1 January 1991.[8] On 16 September 1991, Kraag was succeeded by Ronald Venetiaan.[9]

References

1. "Timeline: Suriname". BBC News. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
2. "Kabinet van de President - Historie". Republiek Suriname - Overheid (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
3. "Lijst van Oud-Voorzitters". De Nationale Assemblée van de Republiek Suriname (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 14 July 2013.
4. "Kemble trekt ach nu terug". Leidsch Dagblad (in Dutch). 12 March 1974.
5. "President Ferrier wil aftreden; Medewerker Arron in gevangenis". Nieuwe Leidsche Courant (in Dutch). 20 April 1979.
6. "jaar nog recht van lijf en leden". Reformatorisch Dagblad via Digibron (in Dutch). 16 January 1991. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
7. "Nieuwe President vraagt Bouterse terug". Leidse Courant (in Dutch). 31 December 1990. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
8. "Bouterse weer terug ak bevelhebber leger". Reformatorisch Dagblad via Digibron (in Dutch). 2 January 1991. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
9. "Ronald Venetiaan: 'Ik treed terug om politieke redenen'". Dagblad Suriname (in Dutch). 16 October 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2020.