In the region’s capital this week, hundreds of young Mongolians marched out to demand the prime minister’s resignation over corruption allegations, a long-standing source of deep open outcry in the coastal democracy. The common perception that the proceeds of a fuel mine growth are being hoarded by a powerful elite has sparked repeated protests and unrest in Mongolia for decades. Mongolia has fallen under the leadership of Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, who has been in power since 2021, according to Transparency International‘s Corruption Perceptions Index. The prime minister’s community is alleged to be enjoying wealth far beyond what a civil servant should expect from a public servant on a dime, claims that were sparked by his father’s girlfriend’s social media post showing a lavish birthday gift. The prime minister’s office “vehemently” denied allegations of misconduct, calling them” smears,” in a speech to AFP. However, thousands of mostly young activists have gathered for eight straight days in Ulaanbaatar’s Genghis Khan Square, which is where the premier has pleaded for his departure. O. Ulamsaikhan, a protest administrator, told AFP,” The excellent secretary has to retire. What we are attempting to achieve is to create a new political culture that encourages irresponsible behavior from common leaders, he said. Concerns about the business and living expenses are even growing in the nation. According to national news agency Montsame, inflation increased to 9 % last year following neighboring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. O Khulan, a freshman at the school who counted among the crowd holding signs stating “it’s quick to retire” and” the natural sources of Mongolia belong to the Mongolians,” said “young people are working hard to make a living.” She said,” It is cruel that the prime minister’s son and his partner live lavishly, while I buy my carrier from a thrift store. The children are Mongolia’s coming, and we must fight for a better one. I wanted to speak out at the rally and say what I thought, she continued.
Counterprotests:
The prime minister’s director refuted the allegations, saying that he is “on report that everyone must live equally before the legislation and be able to show their income.” The spokesperson also cited efforts by his state to improve anti-corruption work and a more equitable distribution of profits from the country’s huge natural sources. And contrary protesters on Ulaanbaatar’s streets, who are increasingly older than their opposition counterparts, claimed to be in favor of the excellent minister and that nothing about his departure would change. Young people are clamoring for the resignation of the prime minister, but it raises the question,” What then?”, D Magsarjav, 65, told AFP. He said,” I don’t believe there is a better candidate for the next prime minister.” It’s simple to criticize and resign, but much harder to do the work and provide benefits, according to 63-year-old D. Oyunchimeg. However, Ulamsaikhan, a rally organizer, vowed to continue holding demonstrations until Oyun-Erdene leaves. ” We will remain our opposition until he resigns,” we said.
