By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, on Tuesday resigned following weeks of anti-corruption protests in the country’s capital.
Citizens of the landlocked democracy in northern Asia, bordered by China and Russia, have since last month expressed anger over the supposedly lavish lifestyles of the Prime Minister’s family.
They have demonstrated in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, demanding the exit of the Prime Minister, who came to office in 2021.
The Asian country has for decades battled deep-seated corruption, with many alleging that wealthy elites are hoarding resources of a years-long coal mining boom at the expense of the general population.
Oyun-Erdene announced his resignation on Tuesday after losing a vote of confidence among lawmakers, according to a parliamentary statement.
“It was an honour to serve my country and people in times of difficulties, including pandemics, wars, and tariffs,” he said after the result of the secret ballot was announced to parliament.
He will remain as caretaker Prime Minister until his successor is appointed within 30 days.
Hundreds of young people had converged on the square outside the parliament building on Monday, marching with white placards and chanting, “Resignation is easy.”
Several protesters said they had come to voice dismay at what they described as deeply embedded corruption and social injustice.
However, Oyun-Erdene has denied the corruption allegations, and in an address to parliament before the vote, blamed “major, visible and hidden interests” for waging an “organised campaign” to bring down the government.
He had also warned of political instability and economic chaos if forced out of power.
It was not enough, as only 44 lawmakers voted to retain confidence in him, with 38 against.
That did not reach the 64-vote threshold required from the 126-seat parliament, prompting Oyun-Erdene to stand down.
