Mongolian PM quits to end ‘political deadlock’ in parliament

2026-03-28 - 05:40

Lawmakers voted to accept the resignation of prime minister Zandanshatar Gombojav, with 74% of members present approving. (AFP pic) ULAANBAATAR: Mongolia’s prime minister resigned on Friday to try to find a way out of a political deadlock that has gripped parliament. Lawmakers on Friday voted to accept the resignation of prime minister Zandanshatar Gombojav, according to a summary of the parliamentary session, with 74% of members present approving. The prime minister survived an attempt to remove him from office in October on technical grounds, and launched investigations into the actions of lawmakers presiding over the vote. During his tenure, Zandanshatar reduced government spending and re-opened negotiations with miners to try and draw more direct benefits for citizens from the country’s natural resources, which represent the vast majority of its exports — most of which is sold to China. Zandanshatar said that the political deadlock in parliament, known locally as the State Ikh Khural, was hampering the country’s ability to face geopolitical challenges and deal with looming issues including possible gas shortages. “I can leave, but the fight for justice will never stop,” Zandanshatar said in his outgoing remarks. “To end this vicious cycle, I am starting with myself and resigning from the position of prime minister at my own request.” He warned that citizens face the threat of an erosion of ethics among governing officials. Lawmaker Uchral Nyam-Osor is the prime minister’s most likely successor after he beat Zandanshatar in elections for leader of the Mongolian People’s Party, which holds a majority in parliament.