Tag Archives: Politics

New Budget means Mongolia is Open for Business



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A draft of the 2017 budget for Mongolia is approved including a budget framework and an overview of policy through 2019.  The budget projects a 9.1% deficit for 2017.

The budget expects economic growth of 3% in 2017. In the interests of maintaining a stable tax environment for companies, taxes are not expected to increase. The government aims to improve infrastructure in the mining sector, move forward in large mining projects and generate budget revenue by increasing construction and investment.

The government’s operating expenses are set to be cut by 1% over 2017.  At the same time, money has been set aside for loans and scholarships for top students, as well as funding for private and public colleges.

There are also steps included to minimize the deficit, for example, operating expenses for state organizations will be cut. Each organization will receive a cut of 10% to 100%, depending on the organizations function. Expenditures for a number of state funded programs and events will be reduced by 410 billion MNT.

Mongolian parliament has approved the reduction of the number of domestic bonds issued and will promote economic growth by taking steps to ensure proper spending of funds received from foreign loans.

These measures, to limit the deficit, to promote large mining and infrastructure projects, and investing in Mongolia’s schools and students, are all positive steps for the country at a time when the overall economy has slowed due to global economic forces. If the increase in mining and infrastructure projects proceeds as expected, Mongolia could return to double digit growth in the coming years.

55 Years of Cooperation with the United Nations



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Mongolia became the 101st member of the United Nations on October 27, 1961. Thursday, October 27 marks the 55th anniversary. A ceremony was held October 1st at the Mongolia Ministry of Foreign Affairs in celebration of Mongolia’s long participation in the global body.

The Mongolian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the UN Resident Representative both spoke at the event, discussing the contributions Mongolia has made to the United Nations, and the benefits Mongolia has received in return. Both look forward to a strong future for Mongolia and increased participation of the country in the international community.

The Ceremony comes a month after The President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj presented a speech on principles of sustainable development to the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Elbegdorj’s speech discussed the rapid economic changes in Mongolia, and emphasized the principles of accountability, democracy, human rights, and international cooperation as vital to ensure the path of global sustainable development.

Basics of Corruption Prohibitions for Mongolian Officials



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Following on our previous discussion of Mongolia’s Anti-Corruption Law, today we will take a closer look at restrictions in the law on Mongolian officials. The law applies to:

  • Political, and administrative officials;
  • State or locally-owned legal entity’s management;The Chairperson of the National Council;
  • The General Director of public radio and television;
  • Management of NGOs performing work on behalf of the government;  and
  • Electoral candidates.

 These officials are prohibited from engaging in the following activities:

  • Exerting pressure on, intervening in or influencing civil servants in the course of duty;
  • Giving or offering to give rewards to others or to intermediaries;
  • Illegally granting or promising to grant preferences to any individual or to a legal entity;
  • Illegally limiting the lawful rights of others in the course of duty;
  • Misusing official budget or donated funds;
  • Requiring others to provide rewards in connection to the officials performance of duty;
  • Misusing or exceeding such official’s power or position;
  • Using official position to acquire property, or enjoying preferential or privileged  rights; and
  • Unjust enrichment.

Top government officials are required to to prepare and file an accurate and true declaration of income. The declarers must submit their declaration within 30 days of their election or appointment to office. An annual declaration is due on February 15 of each year during the period of public service.

Where an official is unable to “explain” assets or income in excess of 6 month’s salary, such earnings may be declared illegal unjust enrichment.

The World Bank Warns Mongolia on Debt



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The World Bank projects that the Mongolian budget deficit will reach over 18 percent of national GDP by the end of this year. If current trends continue government debt financial obligations will reach 90 percent of GDP.

 The report welcomed the swift measures announced by the new government to address the growing fiscal risks, and called for strong fiscal and monetary policy adjustment to address increasing fiscal and balance of payments risks.

 The World Bank noted that the central bank has provided significant liquidity to the government, and warns that continued financing of the government could worsen macroeconomic vulnerability.

 The World Bank also cautioned that falling mineral exports would add challenges the balance of payments in 2017, but indicated that with proper fiscal and macroeconomic management such problems could be overcome.

Parliamentary Elections in Mongolia!



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Parliamentary Elections will be held in Mongolia on June 29, 2016 and campaigning is in full swing in this developing democracy.  12 political parties are competing with a total of 498 candidates. A further 69 independent candidates are also in the race.

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The three largest parties are the Democratic Party with 76 approved candidates, the Mongolian People’s Party with 76 approved candidates, and the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party with 71 approved candidates.

The Democratic Party is a center-right party focused on furthering the goals of the goals of the Democratic Revolution in 1990, via the tenants of classical liberalism.

The Mongolian People’s Party was founded in 1920, and was the ruling political party during from 1921 to 1990. While founded on the principles of Communism and Marxist-Leninism, it now espouses a Social Democratic platform.

The Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party was established in 2010, and is a spin off from the Mongolian People’s Party (using the old name of the MPP from the old one party state days).  Its platform is also primarily social Democracy, while it additionally seeks to grant more authority to the people, and to promote human-centered social welfare.

In preparation for election day, the government has banned the sale of alcohol on that day, in hopes of promoting sober decision making.

Police have also issued warnings that anyone caught vandalizing any political posters during the 18 day campaign period will face a fine of up to MNT 1.54 million (USD ~$790).