The Prime Minister of Mongolia is the highest member of the Mongolian government's executive arm, and heads the Mongolian cabinet. The Prime Minister is appointed by Parliament, and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.

The office of Prime Minister was established in 1912, shortly after Mongolia first declared independence from China. This was not recognised by many nations. By the time of Mongolia's second (and more generally recognised) declaration of independence in 1921, the office was controlled by a communist group known as the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party. Shortly after this, the party established the Mongolian People's Republic, and the Prime Minister's post was superseded by one known by the title "Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars". This was changed to "Chairman of the Council of Ministers" in 1946. The title of Prime Minister was only revived in 1990, when the People's Revolutionary Party gradually released its hold on power. Regardless of the changes of name, however, the modern Mongolian government recognises the office as having existed continuously since 1912, and counts all holders of the office as Prime Ministers.

There is some confusion as to the first holder of the office. A lama named Tseren (or Tserenchimed) held office as "Prime Minister" during a provisional government, and is sometimes cited as the first holder of the modern office. However, the current Mongolian government considers Sajnnojonkhan Shirindambyn Namnansuren , the first formal office-holder, to be the first. There is also some confusion over the status of Tsengeltiyn Jigjidav - some consider him to have only been acting Prime Minister, while some consider him to have been a full Prime Minister. The Mongolian government takes the latter view.

External link

• Official website of the Prime Minister of Mongolia (English version)
• List and photos of former Prime Ministers (in Mongolian)