Mongolia’s president blocks PM’s dismissal amid mineral policy row
The veto of Gombojav Zandanshatar’s dismissal, sparked debate over mineral tax policy and parliamentary procedures
Mongolia’s president vetoed the dismissal of the country’s prime minister on Monday, days after parliament had voted to remove him.
A majority of lawmakers voted to dismiss Gombojav Zandanshatar on Friday after weeks of political infighting and a dispute over a policy that changed how mineral exporters are taxed.
The prime minister is a member of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party, along with President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, who blocked the sacking.
Parliament did not have a quorum when it began its session to vote on Zandanshatar’s removal, the president’s office said.
This made the decision invalid, the head of the president’s office, Uilstuguldur Altankhuyag, and the Secretary of the National Security Council, Byambajargal Altangerel, said.
Mongolia’s constitutional court has scheduled a meeting to discuss the president’s veto on Wednesday.
Zandanshatar previously served as the president’s chief of staff.