- Dhaka
Young Mongolians Demand Prime Minister Resign Amid Corruption Allegations
Hundreds of young Mongolians gathered this week in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene over allegations of corruption — a long-standing source of public frustration in the landlocked democracy.
For decades, Mongolia has struggled with deep-rooted corruption. Many citizens believe that the wealth generated from the country’s coal mining boom has been unfairly concentrated in the hands of a small elite, prompting frequent protests and civil unrest.
Since taking office in 2021, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene has overseen a drop in Mongolia's ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
The latest wave of public outrage was sparked by a social media post from the girlfriend of the prime minister’s son, flaunting a lavish birthday gift. The post led to claims that the prime minister’s family is enjoying a lifestyle far beyond what would be expected from a public servant’s income.
In a statement to AFP, the prime minister’s office “vehemently” denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations a “smear campaign.”
Eight Days of Youth-Led Protests
Nevertheless, crowds of mostly young demonstrators have gathered for eight straight days at Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square — also known as Genghis Khan Square — demanding Oyun-Erdene step down.
“The prime minister must resign,” said protest organizer O. Ulamsaikhan, 24, in an interview with AFP.
“What we are trying to achieve is a new political culture where unethical behavior by public officials results in accountability and resignation.”
Beyond corruption, protesters are also angry about Mongolia’s struggling economy and rising cost of living. Inflation — which spiked after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine — reached 9% last year, according to the national news agency Montsame.
“Young people are working hard just to survive,” said 19-year-old university student O. Khulan, who joined the protests holding a sign that read “It’s easy to resign.”
“It’s unfair that the prime minister’s son and his girlfriend live lavishly while I have to buy my bag from a thrift store,” she said.
“The youth are Mongolia’s future, and we must stand up for a better one. That’s why I came to protest.”
Counter-Protests Show Division
A spokesperson for the prime minister rejected the accusations, saying Oyun-Erdene has consistently advocated for equality under the law and transparency in public service.
The spokesperson also highlighted his administration’s initiatives to combat corruption and distribute the country's vast natural resource wealth more fairly.
Meanwhile, older Mongolians — who have taken to the streets in support of the prime minister — expressed skepticism that his resignation would improve the situation.
“While young people are calling for the prime minister’s resignation, it raises an important question: ‘What comes next?’” said 65-year-old D. Magsarjav.
“I don’t think there’s a better candidate for prime minister right now.”
“It’s easy to criticize and call for resignation, but much harder to lead and deliver results,” added 63-year-old D. Oyunchimeg. “I support the prime minister — he is doing his job.”
Still, Ulamsaikhan and other protest organizers remain determined.
“We will continue our protest until he resigns,” he declared.
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