Mongolian party building occupied

The MPRP (Mongolian People's Revolutionairy Party) building has been occupied by protesters. While some international press speak of opposition and ruling party, but it is actually two parties of the same coaltion that are in conflict. As mentioned below the MPRP tried to leave the coalition yesterday, which led to the current protests.

People in the street seem to be upset with the current situation. "Politicians seem to live in the heavens and don't care about the people down on earth" according to a young teacher Mongolian, possibly refering to the Ikh Tenger (Big Heaven) complex with the state residencies.

AP reports on the MPRP pull out:

In comments also broadcast on television, Elbegdorj responded, "I don't think these reasons are enough to dismiss the government."

The MPRP said it would try to form its own government but didn't say who might join. The party has 38 of 76 seats in Mongolia's parliament, the Great Hural, short of the 39 required to take power.

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technorati: mongolia