Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat
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Пунсалмаагийн Очирбат
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Ochirbat in 2011
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| 1st President of Mongolia | |
| In office 3 September 1990 – 20 June 1997 |
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| Prime Minister | Sharavyn Gungaadorj Dashiin Byambasüren Puntsagiin Jasrai Mendsaikhany Enkhsaikhan |
| Vice President | Radnaasümbereliin Gonchigdorj |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Natsagiin Bagabandi |
| Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Great Khural | |
| In office 21 March 1990 – 3 September 1990 |
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| Preceded by | Jambyn Batmönkh |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished Himself (as the President of Mongolia) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 January 1942 Tüdevtei, Zavkhan Province, Mongolian People's Republic |
| Died | 17 January 2025 (aged 82) Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia |
| Political party | MPRP (1965–1993) |
| Spouse | Sharav Tsevelmaa |
| Alma mater | Saint Petersburg Mining Institute |
Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat (born January 23, 1942 – died January 17, 2025) was an important Mongolian politician. He served as the President of Mongolia from 1990 to 1997. He was also a member of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia. Mr. Ochirbat was the first president of Mongolia chosen by a direct vote from the people.
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Early Life and Career
Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat was born on January 23, 1942. His birthplace was the Tüdevtei district in Zavkhan Province, Mongolia. He took his mother's name, "Punsalmaa," after his father passed away in 1947.
From 1951 to 1960, he went to school in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. Later, he studied mining engineering in Russia. He graduated in 1965 from the Saint Petersburg Mining Institute. That same year, he returned to Mongolia. He then joined the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party.
Rising in Government
In 1967, Ochirbat became the Chief Engineer at the Sharyn Gol coal mine. By 1972, he was the Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology. This showed his growing importance in the government.
In 1976, he became a deputy in the People's Great Khural. He also joined the MPRP Central Committee. At the same time, he was promoted to the full Minister of Mining and Geology. In 1985, he led the State Commission for Foreign Economic Relations. This commission later became a ministry in 1987, and he became its minister.
Mongolia's Democratic Revolution
In 1990, big changes happened in Mongolia. There was a peaceful movement called the Democratic Revolution. Because of this, many government leaders resigned.
On March 21, 1990, Ochirbat was chosen to lead the People's Great Khural. This made him the head of state. In July 1990, he was re-elected to the Khural. Then, the Khural members chose him for the new position of President.
Becoming the First President
In 1992, a new Constitution was created. It officially changed the country's name to Mongolia. Ochirbat's title also changed to "President of Mongolia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces."
The new constitution also set up new presidential elections. These would be the first elections where people could vote directly for their president. This election was planned for 1993.
Presidential Term (1993-1997)
President Ochirbat strongly believed in quick changes for Mongolia. He wanted the country to move away from its socialist past. He aimed for a capitalist economy by the year 2000. He was known for being flexible and willing to find solutions. His ability to persuade helped avoid conflicts before the 1993 elections.
The 1993 Election
Even with his efforts, his own party, the MPRP, did not choose him as their candidate. Instead, they picked someone else. But other parties, like the National Democrats and Social Democrats, saw an opportunity. They nominated Ochirbat as their candidate.
On June 6, 1993, Ochirbat won the election. He received 57.8 percent of the votes. This made him the first president of Mongolia elected directly by the people.
Challenges During His Presidency
Ochirbat's time as president faced many challenges. The country had economic problems. There were shortages of food and energy. Prices were also rising quickly.
He often criticized the government for not helping with the economy. He also spoke out against organized crime in Mongolia. He believed that too much bureaucracy slowed down economic improvements. He called for reducing government size and selling off state-owned businesses. By 1995, only a small part of the economy had been privatized.
In 1994, opposition parties left parliament. Ochirbat publicly supported their rights. He also pushed for changes to election laws. These changes would allow all parties to participate fairly in elections.
Foreign Relations
President Ochirbat wanted Mongolia to work with more countries. He especially focused on improving ties with Mongolia's neighbors, China and Russia. He declared Mongolia a nuclear-free zone. This meant no nuclear weapons would be allowed in the country.
In 1994, he visited countries in South and Southeast Asia. He signed agreements with India and Laos. He also got financial help from Thailand for food shortages. Ochirbat was the first Mongolian leader to visit the United States. He was also the first Mongolian head of state in 30 years to visit Beijing, China.
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1997 Presidential Election
Ochirbat ran for president again in May 1997. However, many Mongolians were unhappy with the fast pace of reforms. The country was struggling with high unemployment and poverty.
He lost the election to Natsagiin Bagabandi, who was the chairman of the MPRP. Ochirbat received only 29 percent of the votes. Bagabandi had promised to slow down the government's rapid changes.
After His Presidency
After leaving office, Ochirbat started the "Ochirbat Foundation." This organization worked on helping people out of poverty. It also focused on environmental and education programs.
In 2000, he became the Director of the Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development. This center is at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. In 2005, he was appointed a member of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia. He was re-appointed to this role in 2010.
Personal Life
Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat was married to Sharav Tsevelmaa. They had two children together. He passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 82.
Awards and Honors
Ochirbat received many awards and medals for his service. These include:
- Order of Chinggis Khan
- Order of the Polar Star
- Honoured Medal of Labour
- Medals for the 50th, 60th, and 80th anniversaries of the People's Revolution
- Medal of Military Force
- Medal of the 800th Anniversary of the Great Mongolian State
- Medal of the 20th Anniversary of the Democratic Revolution
See also
In Spanish: Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat para niños
