See Why Mongolian President Halts Move To Remove Mongolian PM

See Why Mongolian President Halts Move To Remove Mongolian PM

Mongolia’s President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Monday vetoed parliament’s decision to dismiss Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar, just days after lawmakers voted to remove him from office.

A majority in parliament had backed Zandanshatar’s ouster on Friday following weeks of political tension and disputes over a new taxation policy for mineral exporters.

Both the president and the prime minister are members of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party.

According to the president’s office, parliament lacked a quorum when the session to vote on the prime minister’s dismissal began, rendering the outcome invalid.

This was confirmed by Uilstuguldur Altankhuyag, head of the president’s office, and National Security Council Secretary Byambajargal Altangerel.

The Constitutional Court is set to meet on Wednesday to review Khurelsukh’s veto.

Zandanshatar, who previously served as the president’s chief of staff, became prime minister in June after mass protests in Ulaanbaatar against corruption, inequality, and political elites.

His predecessor, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, was forced out amid similar unrest after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament.

Despite its vast reserves of coal, gas, and minerals, Mongolia — bordered by China and Russia continues to grapple with corruption, economic instability, and rising living costs.

Zandanshatar has faced criticism within his own party for introducing a controversial change to mineral royalty calculations, shifting from international benchmarks to domestic stock prices — a move opponents say could harm government revenue.

He was also accused of violating procedure by appointing a justice minister without parliamentary approval.

(Source: AFP)