Mongolia's Prime Minister, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, has officially resigned following a confidence vote in parliament that reflected a loss of support amidst widespread protests. The resignation comes on the heels of numerous mass demonstrations triggered by corruption allegations, especially those linked to Ostgir-Oyun's family, including social media backlash surrounding his son's extravagant birthday and engagement celebrations.
Oyun-Erdene, who became prime minister in 2021, will assume the role of caretaker PM until a new leader is appointed in the next 30 days. “It was an honour to serve my country and people during difficult times including pandemics, wars, and economic challenges,” he remarked post-vote. The prime minister needed a majority of 64 votes in the 126-seat parliament but was only able to garner 44 votes in his favor, with 38 against him.
Protests have ramped up over the past two weeks, driven by a younger generation demanding Oyun-Erdene's resignation. Public discontent has largely centered around the apparent opulence of his family, with claims regarding the sources of their wealth particularly coming from viral social media posts showcasing a lavish wedding proposal from his son and luxury fashion items.
The prime minister has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he is the victim of a smear campaign. Transparency International’s recent reports indicate that corruption has escalated during his tenure, with Mongolia ranking 114th out of 180 nations in government transparency last year.
As a former communist nation situated between Russia and China, Mongolia has been navigating its transition to democracy since the Soviet Union's dissolution in the early 1990s. Corruption remains a major challenge, exemplified by recent efforts of US authorities to seize properties linked to former PM Sukhbaatar Batbold, who allegedly acquired real estate through misappropriated mining funds, a claim he disputes.
In its foreign policy, Mongolia has shifted towards strengthening alliances with Western nations, emphasizing ties with the United States and Europe in an attempt to diversify its diplomatic relations.
