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 [nl]
In office 30 June 1963 – 5 March 1969
Prime Minister	Johan Adolf Pengel
Preceded by	Emile Ensberg [nl]
Succeeded by	August Biswamitre [nl]
Personal details
Born	Johannes Samuel Petrus Kraag (1913-07-29)29 July 1913 Hamilton, Coronie, Suriname
Died	24 May 1996(1996-05-24) (aged 82)
Political party	NPS
Occupation	Politician

Political 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 [nl] 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]

Honorary Chairman

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]

President of Suriname

On 29 December, Kraag was chosen by the National Assembly as President of Suriname. Jules Wijdenbosch, a follower 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]