Last week, Mongolia’s political scene was thrown into turmoil as long-simmering tensions within the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) erupted into open conflict, exposing a widening rift between the executive and legislative branches.

• 💨 At the center of the storm lies the MPP’s leadership reshuffle. The party recently elected Parliament Speaker D.Amarbayasgalan as its new leader under a controversial internal rule change, a move that has put Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar,  just over 100 days in office, in an increasingly precarious position.

🛡️ Bold Appointment Amid Coal Scandal

On September 30, the PM announced the reappointment of B. Enkhbayar, a parliament member and former Minister of Justice, as Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, citing the need for decisive action on the ongoing coal theft investigations. However, the appointment has yet to be presented to Parliament, as the Democratic Party refused to attend sessions until the ruling MPP resolves its internal conflict. 

• 📓 Constitutionally, the Prime Minister retains final authority over ministerial appointments, but the process requires the new minister to be formally presented to Parliament. That step never happened—before Enkhbayar’s nomination could even reach the floor, the MPP’s Central Control Committee expelled him from the party.
• 💥 The expulsion triggered an immediate backlash, with 7 MPs threatening to leave the party if the decision is not reversed.  

💥 Political Fallout and Party Divisions

The roots of the conflict trace back to former PM L.Oyun-Erdene’s resignation in June. Although he stepped down publicly, he never formally submitted his resignation to the authorities, allowing him to retain the party’s official seal. Within 3 months, on September 12, his close ally D.Amarbayasgalan unexpectedly declared his candidacy and secured victory in the MPP’s leadership election. With that victory, the former PM’s faction effectively regained control of the party, setting the stage for today’s political turmoil. 

🔮 What Lies Ahead… 

If the Supreme Court registers D. Amarbayasgalan as the MPP’s legitimate leader, it could pave the way for the current Prime Minister’s removal and mark the Speaker’s consolidation of power. Even before this scenario unfolds, several lawmakers are preparing a petition demanding the PM’s resignation today. The MPP’s internal feud has now evolved into a full-blown power struggle at the heart of Mongolia’s state machinery, raising questions about stability, accountability, and the party’s future direction.