In 2026, Mongolia will face challenges that have arisen from the instability of 2025.
The political and economic sphere of Mongolia in 2025 was full of upheavals. Faced with regular protests in Ulaanbaatar, the country found itself in a state of political instability, corruption, and social conflicts. The problems that arose this year require effective solutions from the government to avoid hindering the further development of the country's economic potential.
Increasing Political Instability and Social Tension
In 2025, Mongolia found itself among the countries experiencing political and social upheaval. As a result of mass youth protests in May, the coalition government led by Oyun-Erdene Luvsanamsrai was overthrown, accused of corruption and lack of transparency. This event exacerbated the political conflict within the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) and created a constitutional crisis.
After the fall of Oyun-Erdene's government, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav was also removed from office following a parliamentary vote. The new Great State Khural, consisting of 126 deputies, found itself in a situation requiring the resolution of the consequences of instability in the executive branch.
After several weeks of intrigue within the MPP, Zandanshatar's government was restored at the end of October. The Great State Khural began discussing new budget proposals and the appointment of new ministers. In mid-December, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of 16 new deputy ministers, which sparked protests from the Democratic Party (DP), demanding the cancellation of the appointments and threatening the government's resignation.
All these political events undermine the foundations of effective governance, stability, and socio-economic progress in Mongolia.
Since the beginning of autumn 2025, there has been a wave of strikes and protests in Mongolia. During this time, education and healthcare workers also held protests. From September to November, about 59,000 people took to the streets demanding solutions to various social issues.
Strikes and protests have become regular occurrences in Mongolia over the past ten years. This confirms the functioning of the democratic mechanism, but at the same time indicates that corruption, environmental pollution, and other social problems remain relevant for Mongolian society.
In November, the newly formed Zandanshatar government presented a five-year development plan for Mongolia for 2026-2030, aimed at economic growth, combating corruption, and improving the investment climate. Domestically, the government intends to focus on human capital development, education, science, and technology. Economic policy will be aligned with the long-term program "Vision 2050," developed by the previous administration.
On December 22, 2025, protests took place outside the parliament building as citizens of Mongolia demanded solutions to the fuel shortage and rising living costs. Reports emerged of residents from the Orkhon and Bulgan aimags traveling to Khövsgöl for fuel. The protests coincided with the appointment of new deputy ministers by the government, despite promises to cut expenses.
Strengthening Mongolia's International Ties
Despite internal problems, the Zandanshatar government seeks to establish economic ties with Russia and China, as well as attract investments from other countries.
In November, Zandanshatar, restored to office, participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Moscow.
Zandanshatar's participation in this meeting was an important step towards strengthening partnerships with neighbors. Ulaanbaatar is actively developing strategic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow, focusing on economic interaction and cooperation mechanisms with SCO members. The Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
During the meeting with Putin, issues of economic integration were discussed, including a free trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which was ratified on December 19.
In the autumn of 2025, Mongolia faced a fuel shortage, despite government assurances of stable supplies from Russia. One of Zandanshatar's main tasks during negotiations with his Russian counterpart was to ensure uninterrupted supplies of diesel fuel. At the 27th meeting of the intergovernmental commission, both sides agreed to increase fuel supplies to Mongolia starting January 2026.
Despite a long history of energy relations, the ongoing fuel shortage represents a vulnerability for Mongolia and underscores the need to diversify sources. This is necessary to ensure stable supplies in case of necessity.
At the SCO meeting, Zandanshatar also discussed increasing coal exports to China, proposing to raise the volume to 100 million tons. In 2024, coal exports from Mongolia reached a record 83.7 million tons.
Since the beginning of Oyun-Erdene's administration, Mongolia has been applying a so-called parallel approach to development within the framework of the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road," focusing on mutually beneficial investments and trade.
Li Qiang noted during the meeting China's readiness to deepen cooperation, including in mineral and energy resources, as well as infrastructure projects.
Both sides emphasized the importance of joint projects, such as cross-border railways. In the future, there are plans to activate cooperation in the field of green energy and the digital economy.
Within the framework of the SCO and trilateral cooperation, the "Power of Siberia-2" project is being considered. At the November meeting, an Action Plan for 2026-2030, including this gas pipeline, was approved.
In addition to strengthening relations with neighbors, Mongolia seeks to develop partnerships with third countries. For the Zandanshatar government, it is important to strengthen these ties in the political, economic, and cultural spheres.
The prospects for cooperation with South Korea and Japan look promising in the coming years, especially in the field of rare earth resources.
The Zandanshatar government needs to pay attention to "third neighbors," such as Japan and South Korea, to diversify the energy sector and develop a "green" economy.
In 2025, Mongolia and South Korea held a strategic forum to expand cooperation in the field of minerals. On December 12, the Korean-Mongolian Cooperation Center for Rare Metals was opened in Ulaanbaatar.
Overcoming New Challenges: Mining Industry, Corruption, and Foreign Influence
In December 2025, the Mongolian parliament held public hearings on the Oyu Tolgoi case, the largest copper deposit in the country. These hearings, led by Deputy Batnairamdal Otgonshar, were the first of their kind.
The investigation concerned Mongolia's interests in transactions with the mining giant Rio Tinto. Issues of state ownership, licenses, and benefit distribution were discussed. Oyu Tolgoi, upon completion of construction in 2030, will become the fourth largest copper mine in the world.
A 2024 study showed that 26% of Mongolia's population faces multidimensional poverty, with the most frequently mentioned problems being sanitation and access to medical services.
The use of natural resources should help address these issues.
To attract foreign investments, the Zandanshatar government needs to combat corruption. The corruption perception index has not changed since 2019, and if serious steps are not taken, the independence of the judiciary may be at risk.
2026 will be an important milestone for Mongolia's international relations. Since the adoption of national security and foreign policy concepts in 2010 and 2011, respectively, the global situation has changed significantly, requiring a reassessment of approaches to addressing new challenges.
On December 18, 2025, a study on disinformation in Mongolia was published, showing that society has become a victim of manipulations in the digital space. The government needs to develop mechanisms to protect citizens' rights to free expression and counter foreign influence.
Author: Bolor Lkhaajav — a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and America. She holds a master's degree in Asian-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.
On December 29, Mongolia celebrates the 114th anniversary of its national freedom and restoration of independence, as well as 114 years since the establishment of the country's modern...
Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the "Bangladesh Nationalist Party," passed away at the age of 80. This was reported by the Dhaka Tribune, citing an...
The main schools will be located in new residential areas At a recent meeting of the committees of the Jogorku Kenesh, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev announced plans to build 20 new schools in...
On this day, Mongolia celebrates both the day of gaining national freedom and the day of establishing its diplomatic service. “The British Embassy congratulates the people of Mongolia on the 114th...
At the beginning of 2026, the Mongolian national team will represent their country at the national judo championship, which will take place from January 23 to 25 in Chingis, Khentii Aimag. After...
At the Winter Paralympic Games, which will start on March 6, 2026, in Milan and Cortina (Italy), three athletes from Mongolia have received the opportunity to participate in cross-country skiing...
Today, December 17, the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov opened the first meeting of the deputies of the new eighth convocation of the Jogorku Kenesh. Members of the Cabinet of Ministers of the...
In this international competition, 110,000 children from grades 3-11 participated, representing over 2,000 schools in 120 countries. Gold medals from Mongolia were awarded to Bilguun-Ochir...
The Eurasian Economic Commission has approved the theme "At Home on the Internet: Know Your Rights, Shop Consciously" as a key focus for its work in 2026. This decision was made at a...
Starting January 1, 2026, the base salary of teachers and school staff will be increased by 50 percent. This was reported in materials presented by the Cabinet of Ministers of Mongolia, as informed...
At the People's Kurultai, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, announced that the country intends to complete payments on its external debt by 2035. He also outlined forecasts for state...
During the meeting, the structure of the parliament became the main topic of discussion. After transitioning to the Committee of the entire Jogorku Kenesh, the deputies approved a structural project...
On December 25, 2025, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Mongolia to Kuwait, Sergelen Purev, held a meeting with the Minister of Defense of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al...
This weekend, mass protests took place in the Somali region of Somaliland, triggered by Israel's decision to recognize this territory as a sovereign state. Dozens of people took to the streets...
In Bishkek, the Emergency Medical Center plans to increase the number of staff. As reported by the director of the institution, Iskender Shayahmetov, this decision was made in response to...
At a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Mongolia, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development, Enkhbayar Jadamba, outlined priorities for improving management at the...
The outgoing year 2025 was marked by significant global turbulence and a new perspective on international relations. Geopolitical competition, conflicts, technological challenges, and climate risks...
On Tuesday evening, an aviation accident occurred in Turkey: a business jet crashed, on board of which was the Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan Army, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad....
This year in Kyrgyzstan, thanks to the social contract program, 25,391 new jobs were created, as reported by the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration. In 2025, the amount of one-time...
This loan will be used by Transcapital to provide loans to private small and medium enterprises across Mongolia, especially in rural areas where there is a need to improve access to finance. The...
This information was announced by the Minister of Economy and Commerce, Bakyt Sydykov According to the minister, over the past three years, the average annual growth rate of the gross domestic...
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan found itself at a crossroads, facing stark contrasts in its economy. On one hand, the country demonstrated double-digit growth in gross domestic product (GDP) and active...
On December 23, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, the U.S. Military Group operating at the embassy (USMILGP) transferred engineering equipment to the Armed Forces of Mongolia. The supplies included two trucks,...
The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, announced that the budget for 2026 will be formed with a surplus, aiming for sustainable economic development and improved...
This year, the amount of social assistance under the social contract has increased from 100,000 to 150,000 soms. According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Labor,...
According to information provided by DW, in Russia, the number of organizations recognized as undesirable reached a historic maximum of 95 in 2025. This is the highest figure since the introduction...
Razak was found guilty of money laundering and abuse of power in the context of large-scale theft from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund, as reported by Euronews. In addition to the prison...
The Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration reported that in 2025, 25,391 new jobs were created in the country. The main factor contributing to this employment growth was the social...
- In a recent interview, Meder Mashiev, the Minister of Natural Resources, discussed with Tazabek the issues related to the decline in production indicators at Kumtor and in the country as a whole....
On December 26, 2025, the Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kanibek Dosmambetov, held a working meeting with representatives of organizations within the United Nations system. The main topic...
Today, December 25, President Sadyr Japarov announced at the IV People's Kurultai significant achievements in the field of hydropower. Over the past four years, 28 new hydropower plants have...
With the transition to blockchain technology developed by AND Global Group, the over-the-counter market in Mongolia has begun to operate on a continuous trading model, which is a significant event...
The elections in Chile, which concluded in December with the triumph of the far-right politician José Antonio Kast, were the result of citizens' dissatisfaction with the current social reforms...
Starting from January 1 of next year, the extension of the temporary ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products will come into effect, as reported by the published...
On December 28, the first operation in the country using the latest version of the robotic surgical system Revo-i was performed at the National Oncology Center located in the Bayanzurkh district of...
According to the statement by the head of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdelkader Khusri, the phased replacement of old banknotes with new ones will begin on January 1, 2026. This decision is part of...
The symbolism of the snow leopard, which could have remained just a beautiful gesture, unexpectedly turned out to be deeper than it seems at first glance. Since October 23, 2024, the world...
According to the Minister of Education, Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, a salary increase for educators is expected in the near future. Previously, the country's president, Sadyr Japarov, speaking at the...
At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on December 25, the chairman of the Social Fund, Bakhtiyar Aliyev, noted that pensions in Kyrgyzstan have significantly increased over the past four years. Aliyev...
Currently, more than 250 athletes from Mongolia are training and participating in competitions under the guidance of 57 coaches. They are engaged in 27 different sports, including winter, summer,...
During his visit, Kim Jong Un positively assessed the results of defense enterprises this year and outlined key tasks for the next year. He noted the "promising demand" for missile and...
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a strategy of activities covering the period until 2030. This decision was signed by Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev. According to the...
A commemorative event dedicated to the 124th anniversary of Jussup Abdrakhmanov, an important statesman, took place at the Alley of Founders of Kyrgyz Statehood. This was reported by the press...
In Kyrgyzstan, the outgoing year 2025 was marked by a series of high-profile scandals involving both high-ranking officials and well-known cultural figures. Among the discussed events were the arrest...
