Every summer, Ulaanbaatar becomes ever more attractive due to the colorful flowers and green grass. Thousands Mongolians and foreigners alike pose to be photographed next to the “floral gers” on Chinngis Square and Victory Square. Many people, however, are criticizing the UB “horticultural program” as a seasonal and expensive activity. This year, MNT 5.8 billion has been budgeted for gardening and floral displays. In July, the ASEM summit will take place in the Mongolian capital – therefore, there is no way that the UB gardening budget can be cut, even though it is becoming an increasing target of criticism

In 2013, MNT 4.8 billion was budgeted for gardening and floral displays; in 2014 this rose to MNT 5.8 billion in 2014 and last year it stood at MNT 6.5 billion. The critics can, of course note, that this year’s budget is almost a billion less than in 2015.