Prime Minister Hun Sen, in power for 38 years, announces resignation... "Eldest son will lead new government"

by Kim Minyoung

Published 26 Jul.2023 18:12(KST)

Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia who has been in power for 38 years, expressed his intention to resign and transfer power to his eldest son, Hun Manet.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 26th (local time), Prime Minister Hun Sen stated in a special broadcast on state television, "I plan to step down from the prime minister position and hope the people will understand," adding, "My eldest son, Hun Manet, will lead the new government."

The ruling Cambodian People's Party, led by Hun Sen, won a landslide victory in the general election held on the 23rd, maintaining its one-party dominance.

The Cambodian People's Party secured 120 out of the total 125 seats, while the remaining 5 seats were taken by the pro-government party, Funcinpec. As a result, Hun Sen can extend his rule for another five years.

The Prime Minister of Cambodia is appointed by the King upon the recommendation of the largest party in the National Assembly.

Hun Manet, Deputy Commander of the Cambodian Armed Forces and an Army General, is 45 years old this year and serves as a standing member of the Cambodian People's Party Central Committee. He ran for election in the Phnom Penh constituency in this election and was elected.

Hun Manet was designated as the successor by his father, Prime Minister Hun Sen, on December 2, 2021. On the 24th of the same month, the Cambodian People's Party also officially confirmed him as the "future prime minister candidate," solidifying his status as the successor.

Hun Sen has governed Cambodia for 38 years since assuming the prime ministership in 1985.

In November 2017, the Hun Sen administration forcibly dissolved the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which held 55 out of the total 125 seats at the time, on charges of treason.