Canadian professor spreads rumor that Mongolian PM might be replaced by its Minister of Defense

Julian Dierkes, a professor at the University of British Columbia's Institute of Asian Research (IAR) says current PM of Mongolia, Altankhuyag Norov might be replaced by current Minister of Defense Baterdene Dashdemberel.

On his regular blog article, Mr.Julian noted " Factions and disputes between factions often bubble to the surface within the DP and while a replacement of Altankhuyag as prime  minister does not seem imminent, it would also not come as a major surprise". Yes, it is true, Altankhuyag came under fire from opposition MPP and criticized for talking too much and doing too little and firing MPP members indiscriminately from government jobs. 

However, before Altankhuyag survived no-confidence vote in the parliament initiated by the opposition MPP. It seems all factions with DP agreed at this point that Altankhuyag should continue as PM and chairman of the ruling party as changing him would provide opportunity for opposition MPP to undermine DP and capitalize on its disunity. 

The Canadian academic continues" current rumors seem to point to Minister Defense. D.Bat-erdene as a possible replacement" of the PM. 

We at MonInfo believe this time, Mr. Julian made a very wild guess about this. It would be a suicide for DP if it replaces Altankhuyag with Mr.Baterdene.

Let us explain why? 

Mr.Baterdene, majority shareholder of the Tavan Tolgoi JSC, also known as "Little Tavan Tolgoi" which mines coal in Tavan Tolgoi area and also owns several other coal shipping companies and other assets in Mongolia does not have charisma and persona to lead the country. Many are suspicious of the way how he ended up as majority shareholder of Tavan Tolgoi JSC, which is local Umnugobi provincial government owned entity and eventually as one of richest men of Mongolia. Some believe he is involved in shady deals with corrupt local officials of South-Gobi province.

Mr.Baterdene could be a good businessman, good husband (also a good horse trainer), but he does not wield substantial power within DP. He is not the most charismatic politician of Mongolia. If he is nominated, it will give more reason for opposition MPP to attack DP and other civic groups likely join this and they may really succeed dismissing the DP-led gov't. DP politicians knows this and there is no way, they will allow this to happen.

So, we believe this time, the professor is off the target. Too wild guess.

Here is the link of the professor's article. 

Shagai, politician analyst at MonInfo news services. 

Source: Moninfo, news services