Oyun-Erdene resigned on Tuesday after the previous day’s confidence vote was quashed by Parliament, according to a parliamentary statement.
The prime minister’s family’s lavish lifestyle has been causing a flurry of public outcry in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city.
After the secret ballot results were revealed to Parliament, Oyun-Erdene said, “It was an honor to serve my country and people in times of difficulties, including pandemics, wars, and tariffs.”
Oyun-Erdene, who held office for more than four years, had refuted the allegations of corruption. He attributed “major, visible, and hidden interests” for waging an “organized campaign” to dethrone the government in an address to Parliament before the vote.
If he was forced out of power, he had also warned of political unrest and economic chaos.
Only 44 lawmakers supported him while 38 opposed, so his arguments did not persuade the Parliament.
In the 126-seat Parliament, the prime minister had to pass a 64-vote threshold.
Oyun-Erdene, who took office as prime minister in January 2021 and won re-election in July 2024, will continue in his caretaker capacity. Within 30 days, a successor must be named.
Many claim that wealthy elites are squandering the profits from a decades-long coal mining boom. The landlocked democracy in Northern Asia has endured deep corruption for decades.
On Monday, hundreds of young people marched with white placards and chanted, “Resignation is simple,” in a square outside the parliament building.
Numerous protesters claimed to have been shocked by what they have described as deeply ingrained social injustice and corruption.
Mongolia’s Corruption Perceptions Index has dropped since Oyun-Erdene took office, reflecting the decline in Mongolia’s ranking.
Source: Aljazeera
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