By BlogHear News Desk | June 3, 2025
Mongolia’s Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene has stepped down after losing a crucial confidence vote in parliament, following mounting public pressure and protests over alleged corruption linked to his family.
The secret ballot took place on Monday with 82 out of 126 members of parliament participating. Oyun-Erdene received only 44 votes in his favor, falling short of the 64 needed to remain in power. The vote comes after weeks of street demonstrations, primarily led by young Mongolians, accusing the Prime Minister of turning a blind eye to corruption and nepotism.
Oyun-Erdene, who took office in 2021, will continue to serve in a caretaker capacity until a new prime minister is selected within 30 days. In a statement following the vote, he said,
“It was an honour to serve my country and people in times of difficulties, including pandemics, wars, and tariffs.”
Public Outrage Over Lavish Displays
The political crisis was inflamed by viral social media posts showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of Oyun-Erdene’s son. Videos and images of an extravagant birthday party and a high-profile wedding proposal stirred public anger. Protesters also pointed to designer fashion items and questioned the source of the family’s wealth.
Although Oyun-Erdene strongly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the allegations were part of a smear campaign, protests continued to grow in size, with crowds gathering daily in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square.
Transparency in Decline
Transparency International has ranked Mongolia 114th out of 180 countries for perceived public sector corruption, noting a steady decline since Oyun-Erdene took office. The country’s political system has long struggled with graft, a legacy of its post-Soviet democratic transition.
The situation draws parallels with past corruption scandals in Mongolia, including former Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold, who was accused by U.S. authorities of using embezzled mining funds to purchase property in New York. Batbold has denied all allegations.
Foreign Policy Implications
Oyun-Erdene’s resignation comes at a delicate time for Mongolia’s foreign relations. Positioned between Russia and China, the country has sought to strengthen ties with the West through its “third neighbor” policy, including deeper engagement with the United States and European Union.
The resignation leaves uncertainty in Mongolia’s leadership at a critical geopolitical moment, as the country balances domestic challenges with international ambitions.
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