Mongolia’s Prime Minister Ousted in High-Stakes Power Struggle

UPDATE: Mongolia’s parliament has just voted to oust Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav amid a fierce internal power struggle within the ruling Mongolian People’s Party. This unprecedented political upheaval, confirmed on November 3, 2023, has immediate implications for the country as critical budget negotiations loom.

In a tense parliamentary session, opponents successfully passed a resolution that effectively dismissed Gombojav from office. The prime minister has been in office for just four months, having taken the role in June. Now, he remains in a caretaker position until a successor is appointed, although it is unclear whether he will challenge the dismissal.

The stakes are high as the parliament also debates a request for resignation from Amarbayasgalan Dashzegve, Gombojav’s chief rival, who has been at the center of this struggle. The political crisis comes as educators across Mongolia are striking for salary increases, with doctors threatening similar action.

“We are fighting against the theft of the nation’s wealth that has robbed every Mongolian, and we are working to increase the salaries of teachers and doctors,” Gombojav stated during the heated debate prior to the vote. His supporters claim that the dismissal is politically motivated, pointing to corruption allegations against the speaker related to the coal mining industry.

Amarbayasgalan Dashzegve, who has requested to resign from his parliamentary chair to “restore his honor,” has criticized the actions taken against Gombojav. “The obsession for power among those who lost the election… are unlawfully influencing law enforcement agencies, in violation of the Constitution,” he asserted.

This political turmoil is further complicated by the fact that the budget for 2024 has yet to be approved, raising concerns about the impact on public services. The ongoing strikes by teachers and medical professionals underscore the urgency of the situation, as the government grapples with internal conflict while meeting the needs of its citizens.

The vote to remove Gombojav was marked by controversy, as a parliamentary committee had previously voted against his dismissal. In a twist, lawmakers abstaining from the vote were counted as “no” votes, tipping the balance against the prime minister. Some of his supporters even boycotted the session, attempting to prevent a quorum for the vote.

As Mongolia navigates this political upheaval, all eyes are on the next steps. The future leadership of the country hangs in the balance, and the demands of the striking educators and health workers remain unmet. This situation is evolving rapidly, and further developments are expected in the coming days.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as Mongolia confronts its political challenges head-on.