Beijing, Oct 17 (AP) Mongolia's political landscape shifted dramatically as the parliament voted to remove Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav, amidst an intense power struggle within the ruling Mongolian People's Party.
On Friday, Zandanshatar was effectively ousted through a resolution with contentious wording.
Meanwhile, the parliament debated a resignation request from Speaker Amarbayasgalan Dashzegve, who has become the prime minister's chief adversary in the party's internal conflict.
Uncertainty looms over who will succeed Zandanshatar, as he remains acting prime minister until a successor is determined. It is yet to be seen if he will challenge the decision. He took office only in June.
This turmoil occurs at a pivotal moment, with the upcoming year's budget still unresolved. Teachers, demanding salary increases in the budget, initiated a strike this week, and medical doctors have also threatened to follow suit.
The discord within the ruling party began when Zandanshatar lost the party leadership election to Amarbayasgalan. In retaliation, Zandanshatar's supporters accused the speaker of corruption ties within the coal mining sector, prompting a government investigation.
During the debate preceding his removal, Zandanshatar stated, "We are fighting against the theft of the nation's wealth that has robbed every Mongolian, and we are working to increase the salaries of teachers and doctors."
On Thursday, Amarbayasgalan requested resignation from his position as speaker to "restore his honour and defend parliamentary democracy," criticizing those who lost the election for their power-seeking actions.
The prime minister's fate was sealed when a parliamentary committee voted against his dismissal, but the full parliament was subsequently asked to express support for the committee's decision. Due to the rules counting non-votes as "no" votes, a majority led to Zandanshatar's removal.
Supporters of the prime minister had attempted to delay the vote by boycotting the session on Thursday, thus preventing the 126-member parliament from achieving a quorum needed for the vote.
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