Politics
Parliament Passes 2027 State Budget With 39.2 Trillion Tögrög in Revenue
Published: 2026-11-13
Parliament gave final approval on November 13 to the 2027 state budget, setting revenue at 39.2 trillion tögrög and spending at 41.5 trillion. Of 110 members voting, 82.7 percent supported it, ahead of the November 15 legal deadline. The government had submitted the draft with 41.3 trillion in revenue and 43.6 trillion in spending; proposals from lawmakers and the working group lowered both figures. The government may issue up to 6.4 trillion tögrög in bonds, and provinces and the capital up to 2.8 trillion. During debate, the government withdrew a plan to spend two trillion tögrög of a three trillion tögrög Oyu Tolgoi dividend on energy and education projects. MP M.Mandkhai warned of a possible revision:
“There is a risk of discussing a budget amendment again next spring.” - M.Mandkhai (news.mn)
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Defense Minister Batlut Asks to Step Down, With Enkhbayar Tipped as Successor
Published: 2026-11-13
Defense Minister D.Batlut announced on November 13, after Parliament passed the 2027 budget, that he has asked to be relieved of his post. He had held the job since June 18, 2025. Under the Constitution, Prime Minister N.Uchral, who chairs the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), appoints and dismisses ministers and will decide on the request. Opposition lawmakers had repeatedly demanded his dismissal, citing lapses in responsibility, according to itoim.mn. Sources report an informal agreement to move Economic Development Minister J.Enkhbayar to the defense post. Candidates for the economy portfolio include Deputy Speaker J.Bat-Erdene and MPs D.Tsogtbaatar and J.Ganbaatar, with no final decision made. Media also report that four to five ministers could be reshuffled.
“There is no position greater than the interests of the country.” - D.Batlut (isee.mn)
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Lawmakers Oppose Energy Regulator’s Cut to Night Electricity Discounts
Published: 2026-11-13
Members of parliament voiced opposition on November 13, 2026, to an Energy Regulatory Commission decision that reduced night-time electricity discounts. MP M. Enkhtsetseg said the October 7 decision cut the full discount for 380 V ger-district households from 3,000 kWh to 1,500 kWh and scrapped the 50 percent discount on consumption above the thresholds. She said residents of towns and settlements with fewer than 10,000 people can no longer receive the winter night discount. L. Jambaa of the HUN party was appointed commission chair on September 18, 2026. Enkhtsetseg argued the discount helped cut air pollution by letting households heat with electricity at night instead of burning fuel, and said 289,000 of the country’s 419,000 ger-district households use it.
“Essentially, the state must not deceive its citizens.” - M. Enkhtsetseg (news.mn)
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Anti-Corruption Agency Refers Health Ministry and Erdenet Tender Committees to Investigators
Published: 2026-11-13
The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has referred the activities of tender evaluation committees organized by the Ministry of Health and the state-owned Erdenet Uildver enterprise to its Investigation Department, citing circumstances that may involve criminal elements. It also referred a Khuvsgul province soum governor’s activities, which may constitute a crime under Article 22.1 of the Criminal Code’s special part. Of 119 complaints and reports on corruption and conflicts of interest examined, 30 were resolved; 13 confirmed violations and were passed to relevant bodies for accountability. Between November 2 and 6, the agency reviewed 569 preliminary interest declarations from public-service nominees, resolving 373, with 196 under review. A planned inspection of 28 officials found misdeclared assets, income and loans, unreported major changes and unauthorized second jobs; accountability letters were sent.
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Parliament Passes 2027 Budget as Energy Minister Warns of Few New Projects
Published: 2026-11-13
Parliament gave final approval to the 2027 state budget on November 13. Energy Minister B.Naidalaa said the energy sector received 479 billion tugrik, of which 261 billion is capital investment. A substantial allocation funded by Oyu Tolgoi dividends was discussed, but the related bill was withdrawn. A planned 150 billion tugrik for power plant projects in 10 provinces (total budget 350 billion tugrik) was not approved, putting them at risk of stopping.
“A budget of this size is truly insufficient.” - B.Naidalaa (news.mn)
Naidalaa said almost no new energy projects will proceed next year. MP S.Tsengun, who put the budget at 41.5 trillion, cited 319 billion tugrik for the Culture Ministry and 261 billion for the Energy Ministry, which the minister says is only capital investment.
“A country that buys coal from China to get through the winter cannot be this wasteful!” - S.Tsengun (gogo.mn)
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MPP Caucus Requests Five-Day Recess on Water Law Bill After DP Backs It
Published: 2026-11-13
The Democratic Party (DP) caucus took a five-day recess during parliament’s debate on whether to take up a revised Water Law. After the recess ended on November 13, the debate resumed and the sponsors answered members’ questions. During the recess, the DP caucus said its members agreed the bill should be supported. The Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) caucus then requested its own five-day recess to review the draft and consult professional organizations, moving the vote on whether to discuss it from the DP’s recess to the MPP’s. Thirteen members, including L. Munkhbayasgalan and Kh. Battulga, submitted the bill. Its authors say heavy reliance on groundwater raises risks of shortages and ecosystem decline. Some members warn that a proposed ban on mining’s use of fresh groundwater conflicts with Erdenet’s operations and could disrupt output, investment, jobs, exports and budget revenue.
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Lawmaker Drafts Constitutional Amendments to Have Parliament Elect President From 2033
Published: 2026-11-13
Member of Parliament P. Sainzorig is preparing a bill to amend the Constitution on six issues, including having parliament rather than voters elect the president from 2033. The 1992 Constitution created a mixed parliamentary-presidential system, and the proposal has come up in past revisions, including in 2023, without being adopted. His other proposals include separating the administration of cities and districts and merging small administrative units, reorganizing welfare policy, making voting a duty, granting Kharkhorin historic capital status, and setting classifications of laws.
“This time it cannot be changed. The 2027 election will proceed as usual.” - P. Sainzorig (itoim.mn)
Under constitutional procedure, amendments require approval by at least 75% of all members, and none may be made in the six months before a regular parliamentary election.
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MP Alleges Officials Shield Drug Networks, Cites Loss of Border Records
Published: 2026-11-13
Member of Parliament S. Amarsaikhan said on November 13 that officials are shielding organized drug trafficking, and he raised the loss of border-crossing records. He said he sent a formal request to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy about a database of foreign citizens, vehicles and passengers entering Mongolia. According to him, the system stopped working in February 2024, the data was destroyed, and its current status remains unclear. Asked about the unimplemented decision to dismiss the SHSHGEG head and other officials, he said that, to date, no official has been released from their post. Amarsaikhan also said drug networks draw in children and young people by offering free supplies to those who bring others, and called for the education, health and labor ministries to join police in prevention and treatment.
“There are officials and people who shield this type of crime.” - S. Amarsaikhan (news.mn)
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Oyun-Erdene and Enkhbayar Trade Accusations Over Bodi’s USD 110 Million Railway Funding
Published: 2026-11-13
Former Prime Minister and MP L. Oyun-Erdene and Cabinet Secretariat head B. Enkhbayar traded accusations on November 12-13 over USD 110 million tied to Bodi International LLC’s Tavantolgoi railway project. Oyun-Erdene alleged in March that the sum was distributed to politicians and gave evidence to the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC). Enkhbayar said the money was railway financing approved by a 2019 Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi board resolution, when Oyun-Erdene headed the Cabinet Secretariat. The IAAC said earlier this week that audited 2020-2025 reports show no evidence of a USD 110 million advance payment but record a 286 billion-tugrik advance payment. Oyun-Erdene demanded a parliamentary hearing.
“The evidence that the USD 110 million was not spent on the railway will not disappear.” - L. Oyun-Erdene (tug.mn)
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Parliament Panel Backs One-Off Law to Resolve Failed Housing Deals for 2,000-Plus Citizens
Published: 2026-11-13
Parliament’s Petitions Standing Committee has concluded that a one-off law is needed to resolve the cases of more than 2,000 citizens left without housing after land-for-apartment swaps and apartment pre-orders failed. A government working group has reached a legal deadlock. Minister B. Enkhbayar said the government cannot decide alone because the law bars retroactive construction permits. Police say that since July 21, 2026 they have handled 173 cases involving 86 legal entities and 2,208 victims, resolving 120. Damages of 5.9 billion tugriks have been resolved for 102 citizens. Funding for new construction remains undecided. From November 16, data on unfinished apartments will be published in the State Registration General Authority’s open database to prevent duplicate orders. MP Ch. Undram and colleagues said:
“Funds needed to continue the frozen buildings should be included in the state budget.” - Ch. Undram (news.mn)
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Constitutional Court Reviews Rule on Recalling Lawmakers Convicted of Crimes
Published: 2026-11-13
The Constitutional Court has opened a dispute proceeding, following information from named citizens, to determine whether certain provisions of Article 9.4 of the Law on Parliament, adopted May 16, 2024, namely the open vote and majority-of-attendees requirement, violate the Constitution. Under the law, a court ruling in force establishing that a lawmaker committed a crime ends the mandate early (Article 9.1.5), and parliament issues a recall resolution (Article 9.2). Article 9.4 requires the plenary session to vote openly, on the State Structure Standing Committee’s opinion, with a majority of attendees backing recall. Citizens argue this conflicts with five constitutional provisions, including Article 29.3, under which parliament recalls a member once a court finds the member committed a crime. The court will review whether adding an open vote and majority requirement is constitutional.
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Economy
2027 Budget Raises Pensions and Public Pay, Cuts Taxes for Small Businesses
Published: 2026-11-13
Parliament approved the 2027 budget on November 13. Pensions rise 10 percent from January 1, 2027 for 562,000 people. Finance Minister Z.Mendsaikhan said the average pension will be 1.3 million tögrög. From the second quarter of 2027, public service pay scales rise 10 percent, and civil administration and special service scales 20 percent, for more than 211,000 employees. The first 792,000 tögrög of monthly salary is income-tax exempt. Small and medium businesses with annual sales up to 2.5 billion tögrög, up from 1.5 billion, receive a 90 percent income tax cut, and the VAT registration threshold rises to 400 million tögrög. A 1.1 trillion tögrög loan product via the State Bank aims to provide financing at a 10 percent annual interest rate to more than 6,000 business owners. Mendsaikhan said:
“The 2027 budget will protect citizens’ real incomes and reduce the tax and financing burden on the private sector.” - Z.Mendsaikhan (itoim.mn)
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Exports Climb 46% to $17.8 Billion in 10 Months, Led by Copper and Coal
Published: 2026-11-13
Exports reached $17.8 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, up 46 percent from a year earlier, according to General Customs Authority data. Total foreign trade turnover hit $28.8 billion, up 33.5 percent, while imports rose 17.1 percent to $10.9 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $6.8 billion. Copper concentrate ($7.62 billion, 42.7 percent) and coal ($6.62 billion, 37.1 percent) together made up 79.8 percent of exports. Coal shipments rose 36.9 percent to 88.9 million tonnes and copper concentrate 15 percent to 2.13 million tonnes, while gold exports fell 30.6 percent to 5.9 tonnes. Combed cashmere exports rose 24.6 percent to 3,710 tonnes. Petroleum products accounted for 24.1 percent of imports, with diesel up 14.2 percent to 1.7 million tonnes. Wheat imports reached 142,000 tonnes, up 8.4 times from the previous year.
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Lawmaker Says Oyu Tolgoi Dividend Could Be Paid in Smaller Installments
Published: 2026-11-13
Former Finance Minister and MP B. Javkhlan says Oyu Tolgoi dividends could be paid to citizens in smaller installments rather than a lump sum, as inflation reaches 14.3% and next year’s budget is set to carry a deficit. A proposal to pay each citizen 857,000 tugrik is circulating. At this week’s Wednesday cabinet meeting, officials were told Oyu Tolgoi had sent a letter stating its formal position on paying a dividend to the Government. Javkhlan said the Ministry of Economy and Development should first model inflation and budget effects, and that any payout must not undermine the Wealth Fund’s core purpose.
“Instead of making a one-time large cash transfer, we could study paying smaller amounts in stages.” - B. Javkhlan (urug.mn)
He does not rule out cash payments but says form, timing and size must fit economic conditions.
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Bank of Mongolia Proposes Government Bonds to Cover 4.8 Trillion Tugrik Capital Gap
Published: 2026-11-13
The Bank of Mongolia’s draft 2027 monetary policy guidelines include an option to cover its 4.8 trillion tugrik equity shortfall by issuing government securities. The central bank ended 2025 with 6.9 trillion tugrik in accumulated losses. Governor S. Narantsogt said it has released 15.7 trillion tugrik since 2012 for quasi-fiscal programs, or 5.4 trillion net, including price stabilization, construction support, pension-loan write-offs and mortgages. He said international practice supports covering such gaps with government securities, that the IMF has advised this, and that budget payments of interest and principal would begin in 2032. The guidelines also address transferring the mortgage program to the Government; 8.2 trillion of the 11.2 trillion tugrik balance at 2025 is central bank funded.
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Trade Officials Seek Foreign Recognition of Electronic Certificates of Origin
Published: 2026-11-13
More than 40 government and private-sector representatives met for the eighth enlarged session of the National Working Group on mutual recognition of electronic non-preferential certificates of origin (e-NPCOO) under the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA). Ts.Magnaibaatar, chief executive of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the chamber has issued export certificates of origin electronically since January 2, 2026, but some countries still reject them and require paper copies. He said a unified legal framework for mutual recognition is needed. At its fourth session in Bangkok in April, the CPTA Standing Committee tasked the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific with studying a memorandum or protocol. Participants discussed a draft protocol, Mongolia’s legal and technical readiness, and exporters’ and importers’ difficulties.
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Winter Food Fair to Sell Meat and Dairy Direct From Herders, November 25-29
Published: 2026-11-13
The capital city will host the “Winter Food 2026” joint sale of meat, offal and dairy products on the square outside the Central Stadium from Wednesday, November 25, to November 29. Herders and cooperative members from 21 aimags will take part and sell meat, milk and dairy products. The sale is designed to supply meat, offal and dairy without intermediaries and at stable prices during the event. The Capital City Food and Agriculture Department and other relevant agencies will jointly monitor food hygiene and safety during the sale. Plans were reported on November 13 by ikon.mn, eagle.mn and isee.mn. All three reports said the sale begins on Wednesday, November 25, and continues until November 29.
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Vietnam and Mongolia Agree to Explore Easier Customs and Quarantine Procedures at 20th Intergovernmental Commission Meeting
Published: 2026-11-13
Mongolia and Vietnam held the 20th meeting of their intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation in Ulaanbaatar on November 12, co-chaired by Ministers Ts. Iderbat and Trinh Viet Hung. The sides agreed to explore easing customs and quarantine requirements, share certification information, introduce experience with HACCP and ISO 22000 standards, and study joint ventures in free zones. They also agreed to hold a science and technology sub-commission meeting in Ulaanbaatar in 2027. Bulgan Meat Market LLC and a Vietnamese joint-stock company signed a memorandum on a bone-processing joint venture. Trinh Viet Hung emphasized the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to USD 200 million.
“If quarantine and certification procedures are simplified and joint production is supported, there is every possibility of increasing trade turnover between the two countries several times over.” - Ts. Iderbat (news.mn)
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Diplomacy
Published: 2026-11-13
Special envoy and former Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar announced in Kuala Lumpur on November 12 that the Foreign Ministry has sent Malaysia a formal démarche on the 2006 murder of Mongolian national Sh.Altantuya. It asks for a written update on all criminal and civil proceedings, assurance that her family retains access to courts and information, examination of new material under Malaysian law, and government-level talks on enforcing final judgments. Mongolia also urged Malaysia to pursue Sirul Azhar Umar’s extradition, give Australia a legal undertaking he will not be executed if returned, open an independent investigation into who ordered the killing, and cooperate with judicial review proceedings listed for January 2027.
“Mongolia and Malaysia are friends. We respect each other. We raise this matter openly and respectfully because we value that friendship.” - G.Zandanshatar (peak.mn)
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Infrastructure
Ulaanbaatar Utilities Rehearse Winter Peak Load as Ageing Networks Raise Failure Risk
Published: 2026-11-13
Ulaanbaatar’s utility providers held their 11th annual winter peak-load staff drill, with seven engineering-supply organisations and 20 lighting operation and maintenance organisations taking part. About 40 percent of the city’s engineering infrastructure is more than 30 years old, raising the risk of heating pipe ruptures and electricity cable failures. The drill tested emergency response, coordination between organisations, and the allocation of equipment and reserves. Capital City Governor B. Purevdagva described the risk:
“Most of Ulaanbaatar’s main utility networks were built between 1970 and 1990. Because of their age, there is a risk of heating pipes rupturing and electricity cables failing, interrupting services to residents.” - B. Purevdagva (gogo.mn)
For this winter, the city readied 96 salt- and chemical-spreading vehicles and 432 road-cleaning vehicles, and renewed 80.2 km of heating, electricity, stormwater, water supply and sewer lines. The state-owned Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network carried out 95 work packages.
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Fuel Storage Build-Out Targets Three-Month Reserve Capacity by End of 2027
Published: 2026-11-13
Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinnyam says the 2027 budget continues funding fuel storage expansion. Under the 2026 budget, work began toward one month of reserve capacity; construction of 14-day storage is largely finishing, and some depots have been handed to the state commission and started operating. The target is three months of reserve capacity by the end of 2027, backed by 140 billion tugrik to be delivered with companies through loan interest subsidies. On fuel prices, he said the ministry has given its calculations to the Ministry of Finance, which must decide; any cut would depend on its size and duration.
“Our ministry has already prepared its calculations. Now the Finance Minister and the Ministry of Finance must come up with a solution.” - G. Damdinnyam (news.mn)
He left the Anti-Monopoly Authority’s report on two stations mixing AI-92 and Euro-92 fuel to oversight bodies.
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Ulaanbaatar Council Authorizes LNG Power Partnership With Chinese Firm Despite Opposition
Published: 2026-11-13
Ulaanbaatar’s Capital City Citizens’ Representatives Khural approved, with 71% of delegates’ votes, a resolution authorizing a partnership agreement with Tianjin Zhongchang Construction Engineering LLC, part of China Gas Holdings Limited, for an LNG supply and gas power project. It covers a 58 MW gas heat plant, an LNG receiving and regasification facility at Tsagaandavaa and a gas pipeline, with later expansion to 93 MW. Total investment is 207.9 billion tugrik, with the city providing up to 75 billion and the private partner the rest. A project document says Russia would supply gas for the first two years. Delegate E. Odontuya opposed the plan, citing LNG costs and transport losses.
“I oppose this project, which issues bonds, takes on repayment burdens again and negates the earlier program.” - E. Odontuya (ikon.mn)
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Ulaanbaatar Railway Plans Record 35 Million Tonnes of Cargo This Year
Published: 2026-11-13
Ulaanbaatar Railway (UBTZ) plans to haul 35 million tonnes of cargo this year, which would renew its historic record, according to the report. Last year UBTZ hauled 33.7 million tonnes, setting a record at the time. President U. Khurelsukh said this while meeting more than 16,000 railway employees and representatives of about 6,000 veterans. UBTZ carries about 70% of the country’s rail freight, including nearly all imported petroleum products, coal for the Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan and Erdenet thermal power plants, and about 85% of food and consumer goods. Container cargo volume through the Zamyn-Uud Regional Logistics Center reached 400,000 in the first 10 months of this year, up from about 19,000 a year in 2016. Chairman Kh. Kherlen thanked the president for resolving financial issues, including cancelling 83.7 billion tugrik in remaining Japanese government concessional loan debt and raising charter capital by 167 billion tugrik.
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Ministry Reports Paving Complete on 12 km of Road Between Chinggis City and Morun Soum
Published: 2026-11-13
The Ministry of Roads and Transport reported that paving work has been completed on a 12 km section of road between Chinggis city and Morun soum, part of a 68 km renewal of the Ulaanbaatar-Ondorkhaan route. According to the ministry, the carriageway on that stretch was widened to 8.2 meters as part of the repairs. The work is financed by the World Bank under the Mongolia Transport Connectivity and Logistics Improvement Project. Renewal of the remaining sections is scheduled to begin in spring 2027. These include 11 km from the Chinggis city gate toward Morun soum, 18 km on the Chandgan side and 15 km toward Tsenkhermandal soum. The ministry’s report covers the Chinggis city-Morun stretch.
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Lawmakers Review Draft Ulaanbaatar Master Plan Through 2040
Published: 2026-11-13
Ulaanbaatar’s draft development master plan through 2040 was presented to members of parliament, who exchanged views on the proposal. Deputy Speaker J. Bat-Erdene heads the project. Municipal leadership, Ulaanbaatar’s Chief Architect, and heads of the agencies and departments responsible for urban planning and housing policy attended the presentation. A team of 18 engineers and researchers from the Urban Planning and Research Institute briefed lawmakers on the draft. The team also exchanged views with lawmakers on the project. The gogo.mn report, published November 13, 2026, did not specify the plan’s contents, such as zoning, transport or housing targets, or a timeline for approval.
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Society
Counter-Terrorism Council Warns False Bomb Threats Carry Up to Five Years in Prison
Published: 2026-11-13
The Counter-Terrorism Council issued a public warning on November 13, 2026, after a recent rise in reported bomb threats at airports, aircraft, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other public places. The council and its member agencies say they respond to each report and are identifying and investigating those who make false calls. Under Article 20.1 of the Criminal Code’s special part, knowingly giving false information about a terrorist act carries a prison sentence of one to five years. The council also urged people not to spread false reports and, when posting opinions on social networks or in the media, not to call for terrorist activity or publicly justify or incite it. Separately, police and intelligence agencies are checking a November 10 report of a bomb placed at the Ulaanbaatar branch of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.
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Inspectors Hand Over Workers With Expired Residency in Ulaanbaatar Vietnamese Repair Shop Checks
Published: 2026-11-13
Inspections of Vietnamese car repair shops in Ulaanbaatar have begun, finding shops that skip standards or lack operating permits, repair workers who have overstayed their residence period, and a common failure to obtain category certificates. A. Batbayar, an auto transport inspector at the Public Transport Policy Department, said the department is conducting the checks with the Capital City Police Department, the Capital City Environment Department and the Bayanzurkh District Governor’s Office. Inspectors are verifying service category certificates, staff registration periods and residence address validity. Vietnamese citizens whose residence period has expired are being handed over to police and the General Authority for Foreign Citizens and Naturalization. Authorities are also arranging for pollution violations around the shops to be corrected. As of 2021, 52 Vietnamese repair and service businesses were registered with the Tax Authority.
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Intelligence Agency Probes Allegedly Forged Government Resolution Aimed at Foreign Investors
Published: 2026-11-13
The General Intelligence Agency is investigating a group that allegedly forged a secret government resolution and other documents in an attempt to defraud foreign investors. According to reports, the forged resolution purported to direct state-owned Erdenet Mining Corporation to sign a $300 million mineral sales contract with a Chinese company. The group also allegedly forged a supply guarantee letter, a cooperation agreement, the enterprise’s stamp and the signature of CEO G. Yondon. Those involved, identified only as “B” and “D,” have been detained, and the investigation continues. Sources describe them as private businesspeople, not senior officials, with long experience living in China. The $300 million is the contract value, not an established loss. Investigators will determine whether funds were transferred or actual damage occurred. Investigators and courts will decide whether charges under Criminal Code Articles 23.2 (forgery) and 17.3 (fraud) apply.
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Supreme Court Orders Fuel Maker to Pay 503 Million Tugrik Over Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Published: 2026-11-13
Mongolia’s Supreme Court has ordered Tavantolgoi Tulsh LLC to pay 503,083,426 tugrik to a mother whose three-year-old daughter died of carbon monoxide poisoning from its improved briquette fuel in October 2019. The May 5, 2026 ruling covers 388.7 million tugrik for treatment in South Korea and 114.3 million for lost wages, plus a monthly allowance of 1,573,145 tugrik from that date. The mother lost 69% of her working capacity. The court accepted that the fuel met standards but found the company gave users incomplete safety information and did not conduct a risk assessment; the bags said the fuel suited all types of stoves. A district prosecutor had closed the criminal case in April 2020. The Democratic Party (DP) cited the ruling at a briefing, saying more than 900 people have died of carbon monoxide poisoning in seven years without accountability.
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Appeals Court Drops Money Laundering Allegations Against Ex-Erdenet Chief and Frees Him
Published: 2026-11-13
An appeals court in Orkhon Province on November 12 changed the prison sentence of former Erdenet Uildver state-owned enterprise CEO Ts.Davaatseren, in a case also involving his son-in-law S.Munkhtur. The first-instance court had given Davaatseren six years and nine months. The appeals court dropped allegations that he favored Achit-Ikht LLC, laundered money through Hong Kong and the United States, and gained wealth unjustifiably, finding no criminal element. It found him guilty of abusing his position and exceeding his authority by transferring the Erdenet Medical hospital to Medipas LLC without a decision from the governing body. Citing his health and personal circumstances, it barred him from public service for five years and restricted him from leaving Chingeltei District for three years. He was released from the detention center of the General Executive Agency of Court Decisions.
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Hazard and Accident Deaths Up 6.2% in 10 Months Despite Fewer Incidents
Published: 2026-11-13
Hazardous events and accidents recorded nationwide totaled 4,456 in the first 10 months of 2026, down 145 cases (3.2%) from a year earlier, yet the human and financial toll grew. The incidents affected 4,821 people and killed 292, an increase of 17 deaths (6.2%). Direct damage reached 79.3 billion tugrik, up 29.5 billion (59.2%) from the same period in 2025, compared with 49.8 billion in 2025 and 35.7 billion in 2024. Human-activity-related accidents made up 4,182 cases (93.9%), down from 4,406. Biological hazards, including outbreaks of acute infectious diseases in people and animals, pests and rodents, rose 4.5 times to 131 from 29. Water and weather hazards fell to 99 from 109, and geological hazards to 44 from 57.
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Customs Detects Narcotics, Unregistered Mounjaro and 420,000 Cigarettes in Border Violations This Year
Published: 2026-11-13
Customs inspections have detected a series of attempts to bring prohibited or restricted goods across the border this year, according to Mongolian Customs. Officers found a total of 5,298.08 grams of narcotics in international flights, cargo and baggage and handed it over to the relevant agencies. They also detected more than 100 attempts to bring in over 3,700 pieces of Mounjaro injectable medication, which is not listed in Mongolia’s drug registry. In addition, customs recorded 57 violations involving concealed cigarettes: more than 2,100 blocks, or over 420,000 pieces, exceeding personal-use quantities. Customs urged people arriving from abroad to check carefully any extra cargo, luggage or sealed items they take from others, and to avoid carrying illegal goods across the border.
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Environment
Heavy Snow Forecast for Ulaanbaatar and Central Provinces as Snowfall Continues Into Weekend
Published: 2026-11-13
Heavy snow is forecast across central Mongolia on Friday, November 13, including the Ulaanbaatar area, Arkhangai, Bulgan, Orkhon, Khövsgöl, southern Selenge and northern Töv provinces. Agency forecasts differ on Ulaanbaatar’s daytime temperature: some give 0 to +2°C, others +1 to +3°C. Both sets of forecasts say it will be colder than the previous day, with winds of 5-10 meters per second. Snow cover reached 38 cm at Tsagaankhairkhan in Uvs and 24 cm at Songino in Zavkhan. The Ministry of Road Transport said no roads or passes are closed and traffic is moving normally, while response teams in 21 provinces clear snow and spread salt. Wet snow continues Saturday, November 14, in eastern central and northern eastern areas. Overnight lows of -25 to -30°C are forecast between November 15 and 19 in places such as the Darkhad depression. Authorities warn of ice and limited visibility on roads.
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Innovation
2027 Budget Funds Phased Expansion of School Lunches Beyond Primary Grades
Published: 2026-11-13
Parliament adopted the 2027 state budget on November 13, with funding to extend the “Lunch” program beyond primary grades in phases. The program currently covers only grades 1-5, serving 341,000 students, and reaches 45.1 percent of state general-education students; the state had funded 106 billion tugriks as of October 2026. Grades 6-7 are scheduled to join in the 2027-2028 school year, grades 8-9 in 2028-2029 and grades 10-12 in 2029-2030. The 2027 budget allots 244.6 billion tugriks for primary-grade lunches and 50 billion tugriks for 137,000 students in grades 6-7. Primary raw-ingredient costs per child will rise from 2,500 to 3,500 tugriks from January, and kindergarten meal costs from 7,440 to 8,800 tugriks daily. Education Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan said:
“By 2029 we will fully provide middle-grade children, and in 2030 high-school children, with lunch.” - L. Enkh-Amgalan (gogo.mn)
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Health
Ulaanbaatar Launches Mask Campaign Through March 1 as Flu Season Nears Peak
Published: 2026-11-13
The Ulaanbaatar Health Department launched a mask-wearing campaign running from November 12, 2026 to March 1, 2027, as flu activity in the capital reached the sporadic level. Department head N.Naranbaatar said influenza A, rhinovirus and retrovirus predominate and that week 46 of the flu season is under way. Activity typically peaks in weeks 45-47, and over the past three years the peak averaged November 19-24. Health facilities will require masks when providing care, and residents are urged to wear them in public places and to wash or sanitize hands. Schools are advised to ventilate classrooms during breaks. Naranbaatar also advised carrying children under one meter tall rather than leading them by the hand, citing air pollution.
“We urge citizens to wear masks when going to public places.” - N.Naranbaatar (ikon.mn)
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Health Minister Says Seniors, Children and People With Disabilities Will Be Exempt From Co-Payments on 220 Medicines
Published: 2026-11-13
Health Minister E. Batshugar said following approval of the 2027 state budget that seniors, people with disabilities and children will be exempt from co-payments on 220 types of medicine. He said about 850,000 people received discounted medicine last year, including roughly 240,000 with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Nearly 80 percent of those 240,000 are seniors, he said, and surveys show they spend 40-70 percent of their pension income on medicine. He also said about 70 percent of the 240,000 people he described as seniors had interrupted their medication at some point, explaining that they lacked the money to buy medicine. Batshugar said the exemption should raise real incomes and help prevent worsening illness and hospital admissions.
“The most important thing in medical care is to prevent illness before it occurs rather than treat a person after they fall ill.” - E. Batshugar (news.mn)
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