Mongolia’s longest-serving PM steps down after secret vote Over his son’s extravagant lifestyle

Mongolia’s State Great Hural (parliament) has voted in favour of Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene’s resignation following a secret ballot, the parliamentary press service announced.

Oyun-Erdene will continue to serve in a caretaker capacity until a new head of government is appointed, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

A vote of confidence in the Prime Minister requires the support of a majority of MPs, specifically 64. As this threshold was not met during the secret ballot, the parliament passed a resolution to consider the prime minister’s resignation.

Parliamentary Speaker Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan instructed the outgoing prime minister to remain in office until a new cabinet leader is confirmed. Under Mongolian law, a new prime minister must be appointed within 30 days.

In recent days, peaceful protests have been held in central Ulaanbaatar. At one such demonstration, participants called for the prime minister’s resignation and demanded an explanation regarding lavish expenditures by his 22-year-old son, who had gifted his fiancée a diamond ring, a car, and a branded handbag worth several thousand US dollars—all of which were shared on social media.

In his farewell address, Oyun-Erdene acknowledged the weakening of governmental authority and said the coalition cabinet was no longer able to fully carry out its duties.

“Today, neither I nor the coalition government can fully exercise our powers. Authority within Government House is fading. But I know the public holds a different view. Entangled interests will never triumph over the people. May democratic parliamentary governance endure forever beneath the eternal blue sky,” he said.

He reminded the nation that he had led the government through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Mongolia’s borders were closed for over two years; Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, which disrupted trade; and tariff-related trade conflicts.

“I thank the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), other parties in parliament, the Speaker, and the President of Mongolia for their support. I have no personal disputes with the President. Such rumours are deliberately spread by certain individuals,” the outgoing premier added.

Oyun-Erdene holds the record as Mongolia’s longest-serving prime minister, having led the 32nd and 33rd governments for a total of four years and 116 days. His predecessor in longevity, Nambaryn Enkhbayar, held the post for four years and 25 days before winning the presidency.

Current President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh was the first Mongolian prime minister to resign voluntarily after three years and 115 days in office. Most other premiers have served terms of roughly 1.5 to 2.5 years. Nyam-Osoryn Tuyaa served the shortest tenure, acting as prime minister for only eight days.

By Aghakazim Guliyev