On 15 March 1980, after the Sergeants Coup, which brought Dési Bouterse and his military council to power, Chin A Sen was installed as Prime Minister of Suriname. The appointment of the non-politically active Chin A Sen came as a surprise. Chin A Sen formed a leftist cabinet which also included two members of the National Military Council (NMR). On 15 August 1980, after President Johan Ferrier resigned, Chin A Sen assumed the post of President as well.