Politics
Parliament Advances 2027 Budget Bills to Third Reading
Published: 2026-10-15
Parliament held the second reading of four 2027 budget bills on October 15 and voted to refer them for third-reading preparation. Of 90 members voting, 71, or 78.9%, supported the bills concerning the state budget, National Wealth Fund, Social Insurance Fund and Health Insurance Fund. The Budget Standing Committee and Budget Expenditure Oversight Subcommittee will prepare the drafts for the next stage. The session’s agenda listed decisions on whether to discuss revised bills on Statistics, standardization, technical regulation and conformity-assessment accreditation, and heat supply. It also listed a final reading of amendments on rehabilitation and compensation for people subjected to political repression. A later report confirmed discussion of the revised Statistics Law. The government submitted the budget bills on August 31.
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Prime Minister Orders Faster Decisions on Permit Renewals
Published: 2026-10-15
The prime minister has ordered agencies to speed up permit-renewal decisions under the Law on Permits and Notifications and related economic-freedom and investment legislation. The directive follows a Cabinet presentation by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development J. Enkhbayar on an implementation plan for those laws. Where an applicant has not breached relevant conditions or requirements, the License and Notification electronic system, license.mn, is to be configured to extend the permit within two working days. Applications that receive no response within the statutory deadline will be treated as approved. Authorized officials who exceed the deadline for deciding renewal requests will face accountability measures. The prime minister also instructed agencies to correct failures to register decisions to issue, renew, revoke or suspend permits in the system within the legally required period.
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Prosecutors Send 59 Money-Laundering Cases to Court
Published: 2026-10-15
Prosecutors supervised 208 money-laundering investigations through the third quarter of 2026 and sent 59 cases involving 82 people to court with indictments. The cases concern the concealment or conversion of assets, money and proceeds connected to property, corruption, economic and environmental crimes. During those investigations, authorities restricted transactions involving 152 billion tugriks in real estate, vehicle registrations, bank accounts and other financial assets, and froze assets valued at 37 billion tugriks. Separately, prosecutors supervised 1,686 corruption cases, up 85 cases, or 5.3 percent, from the same period a year earlier. Of 418 investigated corruption cases, 223 were sent to court. Authorities also restricted transactions involving 247 billion tugriks and froze 35 billion tugriks in assets during those corruption investigations.
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Published: 2026-10-15
The government approved measures on October 14 to prevent housing-related fraud by making information held by relevant state agencies more open and transparent, including through a QR-based registration system for housing data. Developers receive construction permits from provincial or Ulaanbaatar governors before beginning work and taking reservations. Authorities say some companies have recently planned buildings and accepted advance reservations without obtaining the required permits. Buyers often cannot verify a unit’s or site’s status when signing reservation contracts, leaving them vulnerable to placing duplicate reservations for the same site and becoming fraud victims. The government has formed a working group to protect people harmed by such contracts and address existing cases. Housing fraud has affected 2,569 people, with reported losses totaling MNT 206 billion.
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Court Releases Hero Entertainment Director Baatar Under Travel Restrictions
Published: 2026-10-15
A district court has replaced pretrial detention for B. Baatar, director of Hero Entertainment Group, with restrictions preventing him from leaving Mongolia or Ulaanbaatar. The court considered his lawyers’ request on October 14 and cited his health condition in changing the measure, after he had been detained from October 5 under a one-month order. The Capital City Prosecutor’s Office has named Baatar as a suspect in cases involving alleged fraud and money laundering. Isee.mn, citing sources, also reported that a joint police, intelligence, and anti-corruption task force is continuing the investigation and examining allegations of organizing actions intended to incite hostility based on people’s views. The outlet reported that his brother, L. Oyun-Erdene, is being investigated in connection with the case; this was not addressed in the court report.
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Lawyer Appeals to Parliament as Detained Journalist Continues Dry Hunger Strike
Published: 2026-10-15
Lawyer Ch. Unurjargal has appealed to parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee over the detention of journalist T. Shinebayar, saying he had continued a dry hunger strike for more than 80 hours after being held at Detention Center No. 461. Shinebayar was charged under Article 23.7 of the Criminal Code, concerning threats against a public official, and was initially arrested for 48 hours before his detention was extended by 30 days at the prosecutor’s request. Unurjargal said investigators had already seized Shinebayar’s phone and belongings and searched his residence, while the extension cited risks of evidence destruction or interference. She asked subcommittee member Kh. Temuujin to visit him in detention and examine possible human-rights violations connected to the criminal proceedings.
“No case has been resolved in Mongolia under the provision applied to T. Shinebayar.” - Ch. Unurjargal (news.mn)
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Parliament Schedules Procurement Oversight Hearing for December
Published: 2026-10-15
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Budget approved a resolution to hold a general oversight hearing on whether public and local-government procurement complied with relevant laws during 2025 and 2026. The hearing is scheduled for December 15 and 16, 2026, on compliance in purchasing goods, works and services financed by state and local property. Member of Parliament M. Gankhuleg will chair it. The resolution sets the dates and names the hearing chair. The review will cover procurement paid for with state and local-government assets, placing tender-selection processes from the two years under parliamentary scrutiny.
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Proposed Rules Would Allow Ages 10-16 to Use Scooters on Pedestrian Paths
Published: 2026-10-15
Justice and Home Affairs Minister G. Temuulen is reported to be preparing amendments to traffic rules covering scooters, electric bicycles and mopeds. Under the reported proposal, children aged 10-16 would be permitted to ride mopeds and scooters only on pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes. The measure would reverse a restriction introduced in July by former Ulaanbaatar Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar that barred people under 18 from using mopeds and scooters. The report notes that Mongolia has about 34,000 mopeds and scooters and eight rental-service providers. It says scooter- and moped-related injuries rose from about 200 children and young people in 2025 to 330 this year, but does not specify a comparable period.
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MP Bolormaa Appeals to International Parliamentary Union Over Criminal Case
Published: 2026-10-15
MP E. Bolormaa said she has submitted a complaint to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, arguing that a criminal investigation and travel ban imposed on her may be politically motivated. Bolormaa, elected in 2024 from the regional constituency covering Khovd, Uvs, Zavkhan and Govi-Altai, said investigators opened a case against her on June 4, 2025, over allegations that she distributed money during the election. She said she was named as an accused person less than a month after joining 30 MPs who called for internal party democracy and gender equality in forming a new government. Bolormaa said her campaign donations were reported under the law and that no violations were found. She also said the measures breached legal protections for MPs and that domestic complaints had not been resolved.
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MP Calls for Illicit-Market Assessment Before Raising Tobacco Taxes
Published: 2026-10-15
MP Munkhtuya said proposed sharp increases in tobacco excise tax should be based on research that also considers the risk of expanding illicit and untaxed cigarette sales. She did not oppose higher tobacco taxes in principle, but said policymakers should set an appropriate level after assessing consumer purchasing power, budget revenue, business conditions and border-control capacity. The report notes that a steep rise in the legal price, such as to MNT 30,000 per pack, could lead some consumers to seek cheaper products through illegal channels rather than stop smoking. Munkhtuya also urged an assessment of a proposed complete ban on flavored and capsule cigarettes, warning that demand could shift to illicit supply if such products disappear from the legal market.
“Tax itself is not the solution. Only sound public policy based on research and calculations will provide a real solution.” - MP Munkhtuya (news.mn)
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Economy
Government Opens Public Consultation on Planned Oyu Tolgoi Dividend Spending
Published: 2026-10-15
The government has opened a public consultation through E-Mongolia and E-Zasag on how to use planned Oyu Tolgoi LLC dividend income in the 2027 budget. The consultation runs until 10 p.m. on October 28 and asks whether receiving the dividend is appropriate, which sectors should receive development investment, and how the revenue should be spent. Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan said the budget proposes 3 trillion tugriks in Oyu Tolgoi dividends: 1 trillion tugriks for the National Wealth Fund’s Savings Fund and 2 trillion tugriks for social and basic infrastructure projects. The 2027 draft budget also anticipates 3.5 trillion tugriks in dividends from nine state-owned companies. DP lawmaker Sh. Byambasuren and DP Policy Council chair D. Amarbaysgalan questioned the proposed dividend’s source, timing and planned use.
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Money Supply Reaches MNT 56.8 Trillion in First Nine Months
Published: 2026-10-15
Mongolia’s money supply reached MNT 56.8 trillion in the first nine months of 2026, according to National Statistics Office figures. The office reported that money supply was 30.7% higher year on year, or MNT 13.3 trillion higher. The increase was driven primarily by a MNT 3.9 trillion rise in tugrik demand deposits, a MNT 6.1 trillion increase in tugrik savings deposits, and a MNT 3.7 trillion rise in foreign-currency demand deposits. Currency in circulation stood at MNT 1.3 trillion, up MNT 87.8 billion from a year earlier. Tugrik savings deposits reached MNT 29.6 trillion, a 26% increase, with households holding 80.5%. Foreign-currency savings deposits declined to MNT 4.8 trillion. Net foreign assets accounted for 26.2% of money supply and reached MNT 14.9 trillion.
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Bank of Mongolia Proposes Overhaul to Anchor Price Stability
Published: 2026-10-15
The Bank of Mongolia’s draft monetary-policy guidelines for 2027 propose four reforms intended to address persistently high inflation, which reached its target in only five of the past 15 years. The plan calls for restoring the central bank’s financial transparency and independence after quasi-fiscal programs and exchange-rate risks contributed to accumulated losses of MNT 6.9 trillion and a capital shortfall of MNT 4.8 trillion at the end of 2025. It proposes covering the gap gradually with special government securities and moving budget-type financing outside the bank. The draft also seeks legal coordination between fiscal spending and inflation targets, 11 measurable implementation indicators, and phased trials of supervisory technology, open banking and payment-system tools, with attention to regulation, cybersecurity and data protection.
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Businesses Report eTax Invoice Restrictions Despite Account-Relief Measures
Published: 2026-10-15
Businesses with tax arrears report that the tax authority has restricted their ability to create invoices in the eTax system, according to Eagle News. The reported restriction follows measures announced by Prime Minister Uchral in June to stop fully freezing debtor companies’ bank accounts and leave 20% of incoming funds available. The government also said it had unsealed the accounts of 12,153 taxpayers with tax and social-insurance debts, relieved 2,021 companies of MNT 64.5 billion in debt, and cancelled 7,029 planned inspections. Business representatives argue that invoice restrictions can prevent companies from collecting payments for goods and services, even where accounts remain open. The report says this may make it harder for affected firms to pay taxes, wages and operating costs while meeting their outstanding obligations.
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Pension Fund Pays MNT 4.5 Trillion to 534,000 People in Nine Months
Published: 2026-10-15
Mongolia’s pension insurance fund paid MNT 4.5 trillion to 534,000 people during the first nine months of 2026, according to National Statistics Office data reported by Ikon. The number of pension recipients rose by 13,600, or 2.6%, from a year earlier, while pension payments increased by MNT 551.8 billion. Old-age pensions accounted for 80.3% of recipients, followed by disability pensions at 11.4%, military pensions at 4.4% and survivor pensions at 3.9%. Total social-insurance fund revenue reached MNT 5.6 trillion, up MNT 832.2 billion year on year, while expenditure rose MNT 651.3 billion to MNT 5 trillion. Separately, social-welfare services paid MNT 1.9 trillion to 2.4 million people, with child-money benefits covering 54.4% of recipients.
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Infrastructure
Households Seek Higher Fuel Allowances as Heating Season Starts
Published: 2026-10-15
Residents in the 21st residential neighborhood and parts of the Zuragt ger district say the current limit of seven bags of briquetted fuel per household each week will not meet winter heating needs, especially for larger homes. Some residents asked for weekly allowances of 10 to 15 bags and said access to extra bags through a bag leader’s certificate can be difficult for people whose registered address has not been updated. Tavan Tolgoi Fuel LLC plans to supply 427,000 tonnes of briquetted fuel to ger-district households during the 2026-27 heating season. This includes 120,000 tonnes made from washed and enriched thermal coal supplied by Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi and 307,000 tonnes of semi-coke fuel. The company has opened sales through 440 outlets in seven districts, while its plant produces 1,300 to 1,400 tonnes daily.
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Sky Shuttle Construction Is Planned to Start in March 2027
Published: 2026-10-15
Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdagva held his third meeting with BYD Group executives to accelerate the Sky Shuttle project. The sides tentatively agreed to complete the feasibility study by December 2026 and begin construction in March 2027. The project follows a memorandum signed after the COP 17 conference on bringing three technologies to the capital: widespread Green Station fast-charging facilities for electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems, and battery-powered Sky Shuttle service. The proposed high-capacity transit system would run on a dedicated elevated guideway, according to the reports. City officials say separation from road traffic is intended to allow public transport to operate without being affected by congestion. Construction has not yet begun.
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Ulaanbaatar Launches Live Traffic Dashboard on Open-Data Portal
Published: 2026-10-15
Ulaanbaatar residents can now monitor traffic conditions and road congestion through a new Traffic section on the city’s open-data portal, open.ulaanbaatar.mn. The feature is intended to support traffic management and planning while providing information to the public. The Traffic section lists road conditions and congestion, statistics on vehicles in traffic, and average speeds and travel times on major streets and roads. It also provides traffic-intensity data, comparisons with previous days, and weather information. The portal’s new section makes these listed traffic and weather data available in one place for users seeking information on conditions in the capital.
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Buddha Villa Complex Allegedly Built Without Required Permits
Published: 2026-10-15
An investigative report by the NGO Mongolian Daily Newspapers Investigative Association alleges that Diesel Progress is building the Buddha Villa complex in Orkhon Province without construction and operating permits, in violation of Mongolia’s Construction Law. The report says 82 customers could suffer losses. It further alleges that the project is subject to a court dispute and is in a position where the State Commission will not accept it. The supplied source presents these matters as the findings of the investigative association. It does not include responses from Diesel Progress, provincial authorities, the State Commission, or the customers. The report is limited to its allegations concerning permits, the court dispute, State Commission acceptance, and potential losses for 82 customers.
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Supreme Court to Hear Aqua Garden Case on Cassation
Published: 2026-10-15
Mongolia’s Supreme Court Administrative Chamber decided on October 15 to refer the case known as the Aqua Garden case to a cassation hearing. The dispute involves a claim by the Onch Shiidel NGO and an appellate administrative-court ruling. The capital’s chief architect and the Urban Planning and Urban Standards Department director’s authorized representative, the third party’s lawyer, and the claimant’s representatives and lawyers submitted complaints. A first-instance court had dismissed the NGO’s claim in full. The appellate court initially returned the case for reconsideration by the first-instance court, but the Supreme Court overturned that decision on May 26, finding that the appellate court could resolve the dispute on the existing evidence. On July 8, the appellate court reconsidered the matter, amended the first-instance ruling, and partly granted the claimant’s appeal.
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Society
Authorities Warn of Fraudulent Offers for Solongo-1 and Solongo-2 Housing
Published: 2026-10-15
Authorities warned residents against people claiming they can secure quotas, prepare applications, guarantee selection, or arrange relocation housing under the Solongo-1 and Solongo-2 projects. The 5,002-unit developments are being implemented through Mongolia-South Korea cooperation and concessional-loan agreements to expand Ulaanbaatar housing and support ger-district redevelopment. The first phase, expected to enter use in 2026, comprises 27 blocks with 2,042 units. Eligibility, rental, and ownership arrangements are governed by Government Resolution No. 81 of March 11, 2026. Applications will be accepted electronically through E-Mongolia and selected automatically against set criteria; no paper applications or third-party intervention are permitted. Authorities also said no selection date has been announced for the Green Lake 1,008-unit project, whose homes are designated for land-clearance households.
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Police Urge Drivers to Fit Winter Tires as Cold Weather Begins
Published: 2026-10-15
The Transport Police Department has urged drivers to replace summer tires with winter tires as colder weather begins. The agency said winter tires have tread patterns and grooves designed to improve grip and travel on snow- and ice-covered roads. Compared with other tire types, they can improve a vehicle’s stopping ability on slippery roads by 30-40 percent, according to the advisory. Summer tires tolerate cold poorly and may harden or slip in low temperatures, creating conditions for more traffic crashes. Police asked motorists to prepare their vehicles for winter, including fitting appropriate tires, and to drive carefully to protect their own safety, other road users, and property.
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Livestock Theft Cases Rise in First Eight Months
Published: 2026-10-15
Police reported 589 livestock-theft cases nationwide in the first eight months of 2026, 259 more than in the same period last year. According to Senior Police Lieutenant Colonel S. Bayarbilge, authorities identified suspects in about 300 cases, opened criminal cases, brought defendants, and transferred cases to court. Police say livestock theft tends to rise in autumn and are carrying out prevention and public-information work, including measures related to meat supply and transport controls in certain areas. In Khentii Province, police are investigating three people suspected of theft in 50 incidents involving 66 tonnes of large livestock and about 330 tonnes of small livestock. Police in Khuvsgul Province also identified and detained a group accused of large-scale small-livestock theft.
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Environment
Snow and Snowstorms Move East as Temperatures Fall Across the Country
Published: 2026-10-15
The National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring forecasts wet snow, snow and snowstorms in western provinces on October 15, central provinces on October 16 and eastern provinces on October 17, with sharp cooling across most of the country. On October 15, 0.0-14.0 millimeters of rain, wet snow or snow is forecast in parts of Bayan-Olgii, Uvs, Zavkhan, Khovd, Khuvsgul, Arkhangai, Govi-Altai, Bulgan and northern Selenge. Winds in the Altai mountains may reach 15-17 meters per second. Ulaanbaatar is forecast to remain dry on October 15, with daytime temperatures of 4-6 degrees Celsius; light snow is forecast overnight into October 16. Travelers were warned of reduced visibility and icy conditions on roads, passes and hills.
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Nomrog Strictly Protected Area Fire Burns About 80% of Reserve
Published: 2026-10-15
A grassland fire that began on October 8 in Tsogtsumber bagh of Khalkhgol soum, Dornod Province, has affected about 80% of the Nomrog Strictly Protected Area, according to the Eastern Regional Emergency Department. Firefighters contained the blaze at 12:50 a.m. on October 12, but it had not been fully extinguished by October 15. Nomrog covers 587,700 hectares and is home to 56 mammal, 263 bird and 24 fish species, as well as 493 recorded vascular plant species. Officials have not yet issued a final damage assessment or wildlife-loss estimate. Mobicom Corporation has been linked to the incident; its chief executive Yasuhiro Ochi apologized and said the company would cooperate with the investigation and address damage under applicable law.
“We will not evade responsibility.” - Yasuhiro Ochi (isee.mn)
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Rare Animals Cannot Outweigh Human Life
Published: 2026-10-15
Following recent incidents of brown bears entering settlements, attacking livestock and causing a fatality, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change says it is strengthening emergency response and proposing legal changes. State Secretary Sh. Batbayar said a bear suspected of the fatal attack in Bayanzurkh District was located after a six-team search using thermal drones and traps; samples were taken from its stomach. The government authorized funding from state reserves for tranquilizer guns, live traps, other equipment and fuel for rapid-response teams. The ministry has proposed amendments to four laws to clarify responses when bears threaten people, livestock or property; these are proposals, not enacted rules. Authorities plan a scientific brown-bear census next year, examining habitat, food, distribution, movements and causes of conflict.
“Human life and safety come first.” - Sh. Batbayar (news.mn)
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Cleanup Begins at Illegal Dumps Along the Tuul River
Published: 2026-10-15
Authorities have begun removing illegally dumped construction and household waste from 24 sites along the Tuul River near Nisekh and Sonsgolon in Ulaanbaatar’s Songinokhairkhan District. Inspections identified about 1.1 million tonnes of waste across 38.7 hectares, including concrete, blocks and gravel. J. Batsaikhan, head of the Environmental Pollution and Waste Management Division at the Ulaanbaatar City Administration, said entities responsible under the law have been ordered to remove the waste and clean the areas. Ten sites affect land within a 50-metre buffer, nine are on land held by organizations or individuals, and five are public land. Officials will assess environmental impacts and soil contamination, and take action against violating businesses. Transporting the waste to Morin Davaa landfill is estimated to cost MNT 9.5 billion.
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Health
School Health Screenings Flag Dental and Development Risks
Published: 2026-10-15
A nationwide school- and kindergarten-based health screening program began on October 1 and will run through December 1, covering children in selected age groups. Progress figures reported on October 15 varied by measure: 118,090 of 291,998 children had been screened in one update, while another reported 36.2 percent of more than 285,000 eligible children examined and diagnosed. Ulaanbaatar’s reported participation stood at 11.7 percent. The Education and Health ministries classify results into four levels, from no identified problem to cases requiring referral-level care within one month. Health Minister E. Batshugar said 39 percent of screened children received a C rating, mostly because of oral health conditions, while 8 percent received a D rating related to development concerns such as weight or height. Dental and eye conditions were among the most common findings.
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Health Authorities Warn Households Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Published: 2026-10-15
Health authorities have issued cold-season safety guidance on carbon monoxide poisoning as households begin heating with coal, wood and other solid fuels. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion and is colorless, odorless and tasteless, meaning people may not recognize exposure before it causes serious illness or death. Households were advised never to block a chimney damper, remove a chimney and cover the dwelling, or burn fuel when no adult is present. They should ventilate homes every two hours, ensure stoves or heaters have no smoke-leak gaps, check that stove openings are closed and that stoves are intact, and allow wood and coal to burn completely. The guidance also warns against warming vehicles in garages, remaining inside a vehicle while it warms up, or sitting in a vehicle for long periods after drinking alcohol. Authorities recommend providing basic first aid.
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Songinokhairkhan Records High Seasonal Flu Vaccination Uptake
Published: 2026-10-15
As of October 15, 369,064 people in target groups had received seasonal influenza vaccines nationwide, reaching 73.8 percent coverage, according to the Ministry of Health. Coverage in Ulaanbaatar stood at 79.7 percent, compared with 65.5 percent in provincial areas. Songinokhairkhan District recorded 97.6 percent, while Dornod Province led provincial uptake; the report also listed Arkhangai at 86.6 percent, Orkhon at 80.6 percent and Khovd at 80 percent. By age, coverage was 92.5 percent for children aged six months to one year, 48.7 percent for those aged one to two, and 99.2 percent for ages three to six. The ministry urged parents of one- and two-year-olds to improve uptake before influenza activity and outbreaks increase.
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Draft 2027 Health Budget Would Rise 45.9 Percent
Published: 2026-10-15
The draft 2027 budget submitted to parliament allocates MNT 2.6181 trillion to the health minister’s portfolio, including MNT 2.4043 trillion in current spending and MNT 213.8 billion in capital spending. This compares with the approved 2026 total of MNT 1.7949 trillion, an increase of MNT 823.2 billion, or 45.9 percent. Most of the proposed increase is for current spending, while capital spending rises by MNT 2.2 billion. The proposal includes MNT 50 billion for equipment intended to improve access and quality of healthcare, plus MNT 7.19 billion for robotic-surgery equipment at the State Second Central Hospital. Planned 2027 funding also includes MNT 9.5 billion to start a 100-bed general hospital in Ulaanbaatar’s Nalaikh District.
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