ISTANBUL 

Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene resigned after losing a vote of confidence in parliament, according to a statement Tuesday by the legislature.

The State Great Khural said a vote of confidence was held at a plenary session on Monday, during which 44 of 82 lawmakers present voted in favor of the resolution, failing to reach a majority of at least 64 needed to pass.

“Since the draft resolution was not approved, the resolution on considering the Prime Minister of Mongolia as resigned was adopted,” it said.

It noted that, according to the resolution, Oyun-Erdene was instructed to continue his duties until the appointment of his replacement.

Oyun-Erdene delivered an address to parliament following the result of the secret ballot where he noted that it was an honor to serve the Mongolian people “during difficult international times such as the pandemic, war, and tariffs.”

“He emphasized that although the power in the palace is weakening today, the aspirations of the public are completely different, and said that the network of interests woven like a spider's web will not overcome the people,” the statement said about the premier’s address.

It said Oyun-Erdene defended himself before the vote, but he acknowledged spending “too much time on big projects and paid little attention to social and political issues.”

Oyun-Erdene has been prime minister since January 2021.

Protests have ensued since mid-May about reports of lavish spending by the prime minister's son.​​​​​​​