Power Struggle Sends Mongolia’s Government Into Turmoil
Last week’s political events were as dramatic and unexpected as a multi-episode TV series. The story began with the contest for the leadership of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP). At the party’s minor assembly, Parliament Speaker D.Amarbayasgalan won the majority vote and claimed victory. However, Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar, his competitor, refused to recognize the result. The tension between the two leaders quickly set the stage for a broader political standoff, capturing the attention of both the public and the media.
By party rules, a party leader is formally confirmed upon appointment as Prime Minister. However, in practice, there are precedents where an individual is first appointed Prime Minister and later assumes the party leadership due to circumstances. This time, though, G.Zandanshatar faced yet another “unexpected” defeat. In response, he rejected the re-voting procedure approved by the assembly’s election commission, walked out of the meeting, and subsequently raised several rule violations as objections.
Following this, he appointed Parliament member B.Enkhbayar, who had publicly accused the Speaker of criminal activity, as Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs. Yet, Speaker D.Amarbayasgalan has still not had the opportunity to formally notify him of this decision. For a variety of reasons (including the lack of agenda items and inactive standing committees) the Parliament has not convened. The uncertainty surrounding these appointments has added to the growing sense of instability within the government.
On the other side, the Democratic Party has not shied away from playing its opposition role. The newly appointed party leader, O.Tsogtgerel, stated that D.Amarbayasgalan could not preside over sessions until he clears his name in connection with the case against him. His subsequent walkout from the parliamentary session naturally drew attention.
During this period, news emerged that the MPP’s Control Committee intended to expel B.Enkhbayar from the party, further deepening party divisions. Eight members, including D.Enhtuvshin, M.Badamsuren, and D.Bum-Ochir, demanded the decision be reconsidered and even indicated readiness to leave the parliamentary group, or ultimately the party, if necessary. Members and ministers each expressed their own positions, leaving both Parliament and government paralyzed. Crucially, this deadlock comes at a critical moment for budget discussions.
Meanwhile, it is fair to say that President U.Khurelsukh remained largely silent. His stance and which side he supports will be pivotal in determining how long this crisis continues and how it will be resolved. Public expectations are therefore naturally focused on him.
In the new week, members began hurling documents at each other and gathering signatures in succession. Members aligned with the President’s faction, led by D.Enhtuvshin, called for Speaker D.Amarbayasgalan to step aside from his duties and undergo investigation to clear his name and reputation.
Shortly after, MPs P.Sainzorig, G.Luvsanjamts, H.Baasanjargal, and others submitted a motion to dismiss Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar. They cited reasons including the temporary decision to calculate VAT at stock exchange prices, which gave undue advantage to some companies, as well as the organization of illegal tenders. This week’s parliamentary session is expected to be intense.
