Mongolia in 1982: Looking Forward but also Back

Abstract

an optimistic outlook toward economic development prevailed; nevertheless, uncertainties about political leadership remained. Further uncertainties stemming from changes in the Soviet leadership and changes in the Sino-Soviet relationship also clouded the horizon. The 18th Congress of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), which met in May-June 1981, made significant changes in Mongolia's leadership. Tsedenbal remained the top man, but several promotions and demotions of Politburo members resulted in considerable realignment of its composition. Altangeral, head of the Ulaanbaatar Party apparatus, was promoted from candidate membership to full membership, ranking second in the hierarchy next to Tsedenbal, while Batmonh, previously ranked second, was dropped to third. Thus, in the two MPRP congresses since 1976 the person next to Tsedenbal has been demoted and a lower-ranking figure rapidly elevated. Also, Lubsandrabdan, who had headed the Party Control Commission, was removed from the Politburo altogether; he was replaced as PCC head by Dejid, a prominent figure in the state security apparatus, who also became a candidate member of the Politburo. Jagbaral, who had been responsible for agriculture, was demoted from the No. 3 spot to candidate membership. Gombojab, Chairman of the Mongolian-Soviet Friendship Society and former Deputy Premier was promoted from candidate to full membership.'