President suggests amending state budget
On April 11, President of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh met Speaker of Parliament G.Zandanshatar, Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene and some ministers in connection with the latest demonstration by youth and their demands.
During the meeting, the president highlighted, “Countries worldwide have been battling against the COVID-19 pandemic for two years and international geopolitical issues have arisen. Consequently, oil prices have doubled and grain and vegetable prices have risen by 30 to 40 percent on world markets. Therefore, Parliament and Cabinet need to coordinate their works and amend the state budget as necessary.”
He stressed that it is vital to pay special attention to the reduction of prices of electricity, petrol, consumer goods and food products as well as the performance of spring cultivation to meet domestic food needs.
“Today, we have to discuss whether to amend the state budget. People must be informed of the truth about the current situation. All unnecessary expenses and investments need to be cut back. The whole world is in a very difficult situation. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the demand made by the people and make urgent decisions. The last two years have shown us that Mongolia needs to meet its domestic food needs by itself, become a fuel producer and have a local energy source. The country needs to become an economically independent country,” President U.Khurelsukh said.
On the same day, the president also received members of the Democratic Party (DP) caucus in Parliament to exchange views on supporting the private sector in food production, expanding domestic production and accelerating the development of the oil industry.
The president cautioned Parliament and the DP caucus to pay special attention to the urgent implementation of demands made by the protestors.
It is natural for the citizens of a democratic country to demand responsibility from the government they formed, he noted.
President U.Khurelsukh also called for active work to ensure the national security and the public interest, and stressed the need to pay attention to rising prices, food shortages and fuel reserves.
During the meeting, DP caucus members supported the proposal of the president and expressed to support efforts to overcome this critical time together.
Last week, thousands of young Mongolians gathered at Sukhbaatar Square to demonstrate against corruption, inequality, tugrug depreciation and the lackluster handling of inflation.