Demonstrations Erupt in Mongolia Over Corruption

Hundreds of young Mongolians took to the streets of the capital of Ulaanbaatar this week to demand the prime minister’s resignation over corruption allegations, unrest that comes amid internal disputes within the country’s coalition government and growing public dissatisfaction over Mongolia’s economic outlook, Agence France-Presse reported. 

For more than a week, demonstrators have protested in the capital’s Genghis Khan Square with protesters chanting slogans, holding placards, and demanding that the prime minister step down. 

They say that Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain – in power since 2021 – and his family are enjoying a more affluent life than the average citizens. 

The unrest was sparked earlier this month by a social media post from the girlfriend of Oyun-Erdene’s 23-year-old son, Temuulen, showcasing a lavish birthday gift. The display of wealth quickly gained traction online and reignited long-standing anger over corruption within the ranks of Mongolia’s political elite.  

The prime minister’s office dismissed the claims as a “smear,” but authorities have since called Temuulen back from Harvard University as they investigate his finances. 

Meanwhile, protesters have vowed to continue demonstrating until he steps down. 

The protests also follow economic frustrations as Mongolia’s gross domestic product growth slowed to 2.4 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, down from 7.9 percent during the same period in 2024, according to bne IntelliNews. 

Critics have pointed to the administration’s state-centric economic policies as a contributing factor, prompting calls for a pause or shift in strategy. 

Complicating the situation is the current internal dispute within the governing coalition. 

Earlier this month, the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), which holds 68 of the 126 seats in parliament, voted to expel the Democratic Party (DP) from the coalition government.  

The vote came after a number of DP members supported the protesters’ demands for Oyun-Erdene’s resignation.  

The split raises the likelihood of a cabinet reshuffle or even Oyun-Erdene resigning, as he had previously indicated he would step down if the coalition collapsed.