In a significant political shift, Mongolia's Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene has stepped down after losing a confidence vote in parliament, a move that follows weeks of protests sparked by allegations of corruption within his family. The protests gained momentum through social media, in light of reports highlighting his son's extravagant birthday celebrations and lifestyle.
Oyun-Erdene, who took office in 2021, stated that he will remain in a caretaker role until a new successor is appointed within the next month. After the parliamentary vote, which was marked by intense scrutiny, he lamented, "It was an honour to serve my country and people in times of difficulties, including pandemics, wars, and tariffs." The parliament consists of 126 seats, and during the secret ballot, Oyun-Erdene garnered only 44 votes in favor while 38 were against him, resulting in his resignation.
The unrest witnessed in the streets involved numerous young Mongolians rallying for Oyun-Erdene's resignation, citing concerns over the apparent opulence displayed by his family. Allegations surrounding their wealth were intensified through viral social media posts showcasing the expensive lifestyle of his son, which Oyun-Erdene has denied, blaming his critics for waging a smear campaign.
According to Transparency International, Mongolia has experienced a decline in government transparency under Oyun-Erdene's leadership, ranking 114th out of 180 countries in their latest corruption index. As a country that emerged from a communist past and is situated between Russia and China, Mongolia has been striving to establish a democratic framework since the 1990s. Despite efforts to curb corruption, recent history reveals longstanding issues, highlighted by former PM Sukhbaatar Batbold facing legal action over alleged misappropriation of funds.
In light of these recent political dynamics, Mongolia aims to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with Western nations as part of its strategy to diversify international relations beyond its close ties with neighboring giants.
