Speaking at the ceremony to
observe the 20^th anniversary of Mongolia’s adoption of parliamentary
democracy, President Ts. Elbegdorj expressed his appreciation of the work done
by all who followed the vital mandate to build democratic, open legal
relations, to strengthen and consolidate the country’s independence and
people’s rights and liberties. It has been hard work to transform the country
to an open and free political, economic and social nation and to consolidate
Mongolia’s international reputation.  Equally
commendable has been the valuable contributions of numerous national and
international organizations and individuals.

Mongolia has achieved in 20 years what many countries in the nation have not managed
in a much longer time. These 20 years have also shown Mongolians, on various
occasions and in various circumstances, that in a democracy the Government must
be accountable to the people at all times. 

He wondered if public servants in Mongolia are forgetting that the prime reason
for a state to exist is to serve its citizens. Many citizens feel deprived of
their rights and jobs. The State’s unabashed self-service, instead of serving
the people, is getting out of control. Most of what the government produces is
reaped by the government itself.  

Regretting that people have lost their trust in their leaders, the President
said decision makers and leading politicians should serve as a model for others
to follow and to look up to. They show they are listening to the people, and
holding consultations by regions and districts. However, Elbegdorj read from a
letter he has received from a citizen: “They listen to what they want to hear,
advise what they please to advise and take their own thoughts as the only
ultimate truth.”

People feel frustrated that money meant for them is spent to glaze the image of
MPs. Corruption is overwhelmingly unmanageable.  

The agency to combat corruption has become an agency to comfort corruption and MPs’
failure to decide on dismissing the Anti-Corruption Authority chief Sangaragchaa
even in three months has caused anger and frustration among people and damaged
the reputation and honor of the State. Parliament is a bridge of accountability
between the people and the Government, but it has been made into a screen, a wall
of rock between the two.

As President, he represents the people who want the State to work responsibly,
creatively and justly. He said he has no wish to meddle in government actions
but only wants to fulfill his constitutional obligations. A country falls apart
as much from aggression from outside, as from corruption, red tape and unlawful
practices at home. His efforts to cooperate with Parliament and the Government
have been met with constant resistance. He still hopes for cooperation and is
ready to walk in front and hold the fire.

The powers and rights of the Mongolian were kept in Beijing during the Manchu
period and in Moscow during communism. They returned to Ulaanbaatar thanks to
the democratic revolution, but are now stuck in the pockets of Parliament and
the Government. People miss their fundamental rights and freedoms. There is no
civil society without civil participation. A State which cannot comprehend this
simple truth becomes an object of hatred.

Money is not going to remain an acute problem for Mongolia but it has to be
spent on the people’s wellbeing. People migrate from the countryside because
the central government does not support businesses which would create jobs,
income and thus better living in their areas. Mongolia will prosper if the
money is dedicated to the wellbeing of the people and not channeled to the
pockets of few bureaucrats.  People
should work and the State should serve the people.

He was confident of a bright future for the country and its people. The
greatest power of society are the people who believe in themselves, who share
common values and interests, who appreciate the essence of a free society and
who know their positions in that free society.