President answers questions from parliamentary members

In the evening meeting of the Parliamentary session on April 10, President Ts.Elbegdorj reported on projects that he has completed since taking office, work that he intends to do, and he answered questions from members of parliament.

The President said, “The projects I’ve completed do not only belong to me, they are the effort of many people. Secondly, I will cooperate with citizens to reach achievements, realizing initiatives from the public.” He stated that he will continue to make efforts to increase civic participation and improve the authority of the provinces; to strengthen justice and legislation; to support national producers and environmentally-friendly projects; and to spread the history, customs and tradition of Mongolia. President Ts.Elbegdorj added that he will pay attention to foreign policy and will support public initiatives. 

After presenting the report, President Ts.Elbegdorj answered questions from parliamentary members.

MP D.Demberel: Do you support the policy to overcome the economic crisis? What sector do you support more to overcome the economy? 

Ts.Elbegdorj: I have already expressed my position on issues regarding the economic crisis. The most important thing is to create new factories. The history of developed countries shows that they supported new job creation and technology during an economic crisis. We should resolve the issues of the stock exchange and land as soon as possible. A Mongolian citizen should be able to privatize land. We should have our own railway, transit transport, and our own petroleum and we should build power plants. 

MP D.Lundeejantsan: It is the first time we are hearing the report on a president’s work. I see that you have completed many projects. Mongolia has parliamentary governance. Your report mentions development a lot. How do you see the correlation between the state, governance, and development? 

Ts.Elbegdorj: The state should become more responsible. I will support projects within the frames of the  Security Council. Summarizing my time in office, I noticed that people tend to think that the state head of Mongolia does and completes all projects and makes all the decisions. Parliament should resolve small issues in addition to making amendments to the constitution. It is not necessary to give microphones to each Member of Parliament. MPs should state their minds from the podium.  

MP O.Sodbileg: What is your position on amending the Constitution of Mongolia? 

Ts.Elbegdorj: It is time to review the last 23 years of performance of the constitution. It should be discussed openly with the public. We should even discuss the seven decisions that caused its deterioration. Many issues related to legislative organizations have been raised. If we find the right solutions for the laws on criminal procedures, complying with the standards of Mongolia, we will reach the correct path. 

MP L.Erdenechimeg: Tavan Tolgoi is the one and only treasure of Mongolia with 3 million shares. The Speaker of Parliament said in the opening remarks of the spring session of Parliament that many issues that might influence national security were discussed in the Tavan Tolgoi agreement. What do you think about that? 

Ts.Elbegdorj: I hope the Tavan Tolgoi agreement doesn’t become a dispute between politicians. You parliamentarians should express your positions and share your suggestions during the discussions of the Tavan Tolgoi agreement in the parliamentary session meeting. As of 2014, Holland was the country that invested the most in Mongolia. The lives of citizen will suffer when the economy of Mongolia shrinks. Investment will maybe decrease if this issue is postponed and reviewed.