BEIJING (Reuters) -Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar has stepped down after losing support of the country's parliament, Chinese state media reported on Friday, vacating the pivotal role after taking office just four months ago.
Lawmakers on Friday voted for the dismissal of Zandanshatar, a former foreign minister and parliamentary speaker, following a meeting, according to China's official Xinhua news agency.
The 55-year-old was confirmed as the country's 32nd prime minister in June after his predecessor, Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, quit, also after losing parliamentary backing, due to corruption claims and street protests.
Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Mongolia's head of state and president since 2021, is expected to nominate the next prime minister, who would require the approval of the State Great Khural, or parliament.
Mongolian politics has been rocked by waves of volatility in recent years amid public anger over corruption and a weak domestic economy.
The dismissal of two prime ministers within months will also cast uncertainty over policy continuity and erode investor sentiment for the resources-rich country.
Earlier this month, the World Bank slashed its forecast for Mongolia's 2025 economic growth to 5.9% from its April estimate of 6.3%, citing lower coal prices, global trade uncertainty, as well as elevated inflation and stagnant wages.
Mongolia's gross domestic product grew 4.9% in 2024.
(Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Lincoln Feast)
