Amar Adiya
Dec 11, 2021
The ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) convened and confirmed Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene as the party chairman. MPP also made major changes in its key decision-making body (aka Steering Council) introducing next line leaders and embracing a new faction.
MPP’s secretary-general Amarbayasgalan remains in his post coming into sight as a favorite to succeed Oyun-Erdene in the future.
General-Secretary Amarbayasgalan, nam.mn
Out of 36 members in the Steering Council, Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan, Ulaanbaatar Mayor Sumiyabazar, MP Byambatsogt, Speaker Zandanshatar, MP Khurelbaatar and President’s Chief of Staff Sodbaatar should also be regarded to be strong candidates for the top job in the MPP.
Labor Minister Amarzaya (granddaughter of highly respected PM Jasrai who will likely run for the parliament in 2024), MP Bulgantuya (former deputy finance minister), MP Uchral and MP Amartuvshin are up and coming leaders who embody progressive views.
Conservatives like Cabinet Chief Nyamdorj, MP N.Enkhbold and MP Munkh-Orgil will likely be more in an advisory role in the Steering Council.
The far-left MPRP (which reunited with the MPP earlier this year) got seven seats in the Steering Council appearing to be a significant group within the ruling party.
The MPRP reunited with the MPP in support of Khurelsukh’s presidential election earlier this year under former president Enkhbayar’s arrangement. Most of the MPRP representatives in the Council are little-known politicians.
Considering its 20 percent power share in the Steering Council (7 out of 36), the MPRP faction will likely ask Oyun-Erdene for a couple of ministerial posts in his cabinet and other key administrative positions within the government.
Former prime ministers Su.Batbold and M.Enkhbold were booted out from the Steering Council suggesting moderate voices may weaken within the MPP.
Batbold and Enkhbold navigated the party towards the centrist course in the 2010s. But with their departure that will likely change.