The nation’s lawmakers on Friday confirmed former top diplomat Gombojav Zandanshatar (pic) as the country’s new prime minister, after his predecessor resigned following weeks of anti-corruption protests.
Thousands of young people demonstrated in the capital Ulaanbaatar in recent weeks, venting frustration at wealthy elites and what they see as pervasive corruption and injustice.
They called for then-prime minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene to step down, and got their wish when he announced his resignation last week.
Zandanshatar was elected as his replacement in the early hours of Friday morning, with 108 out of 117 present voting in favour.
In a speech to lawmakers following his election, he stressed “the urgent need to stabilise the economy, improve the income and livelihood of its citizens”, according to a readout from the parliament.
Zandanshatar takes charge as Mongolia faces a combustive political cocktail of widespread corruption, rising living costs and concerns over the economy.
Prior to the vote, 38-year-old sociologist Tumentsetseg Purevdorj said his “political experience is a good asset”.
“As a woman, I want him to include skilled woman representatives in the new Cabinet,” she said.
But other young Mongolians were sceptical that anything would change under the new prime minister.
“He has had high official status for over two decades,” said Bayaraa Surenjav, 37.
“But I still can’t name a single good work he has done in those years,” he said. — AFP
