Mongolia’s president vetoes resolution on dismissing premier from office

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on Monday vetoed a resolution adopted by parliament last week that dismissed Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar after just four months in office.

A statement by the country’s presidency said Mongolia’s president vetoed the resolution adopted last week by the State Great Khural, the country’s unicameral parliament, “in its entirety.”

It gave the text of the president’s veto, which said the parliamentary vote held regarding the prime minister’s dismissal violated the constitution and contradicted an earlier committee decision within parliament which decided not to dismiss him.

The text further said that procedural law and the constitution were further violated when parliament decided to allow the vote despite a quorum having not been met the day before.

On Friday, the Mongolian parliament adopted a resolution on dismissing the prime minister at a plenary session, citing multiple reasons, including his appointment of a new justice minister without prior consultation with the State Great Khural.

Parliamentary Speaker Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan also resigned from his position that same day.

Zandanshatar replaced his predecessor, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, back in June, who resigned that same month after losing a vote of confidence in parliament amid protests which erupted mid-May over reports of lavish spending by his son.