On Wednesday 25 December, the Mongolian Cabinet decided to increase the monthly salary of civil servants by eight percent from 1 January 2020. This averages at MNT 270,000. In addition, pensions will be increased by MNT 50,000. Without doubt, it is the best possible surprise for Christmas.

Currently, a total of 220,000 people work as civil servants and receive an average monthly salary of MNT 900,000.

It should, however, be remembered that salary increases usually directly influences commodity prices and, in the past, has led to the devaluation of the Tugrik. Whilst it will be a nice present for civil servants, it will be hard for workers in the private sector.

Last year, Mongolian teachers and doctors demonstrated many times for demanding increase of salary.