Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene Resigns Amid Anti-Corruption Protests After Losing Parliamentary Confidence Vote

Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene Resigns Amid Anti-Corruption Protests After Losing Parliamentary Confidence Vote

Mongolia’s Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene has officially resigned after losing a parliamentary vote of confidence, following weeks of anti-corruption protests.

According to a statement from the parliament, Oyun-Erdene submitted his formal resignation on Tuesday after being defeated in the confidence vote on Monday. Public anger had been mounting over the Prime Minister and his family's luxurious lifestyle, which triggered continuous protests in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Speaking in parliament after the vote, Oyun-Erdene said, “It has been an honor to serve my country and people during times of pandemic, war, and trade crises.”

Oyun-Erdene, who had served for over four years, denied the corruption allegations against him. In a speech delivered before the vote, he claimed that "visible and invisible powerful interest groups" had orchestrated an "organized conspiracy" to bring down his government.

He warned that his removal could lead to political instability and economic turmoil in the country. However, his warnings failed to sway the parliament. Only 44 lawmakers voted in his favor, while 38 voted against him.

In the 126-seat parliament, Oyun-Erdene needed 64 votes to survive the confidence motion. He initially assumed office in January 2021 and was re-elected in July 2024. He will now serve as caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is appointed within 30 days.

Mongolia, a landlocked democracy in Northeast Asia, has long struggled with deep-rooted corruption. Many accuse the elite of monopolizing profits from long-term coal mining development projects.

On Monday, hundreds of young protesters gathered in the square outside the parliament building, holding white placards and chanting slogans like “Resigning is easy!”

Many demonstrators said they had taken to the streets to voice their anger against entrenched corruption and growing social inequality.

Since Oyun-Erdene took office, Mongolia’s ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has further declined. The worsening economic crisis and rising cost of living have also contributed significantly to growing public dissatisfaction.