Jump to content

Khaltmaagiin Battulga: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(388 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Former President of Mongolia (born 1963)}}
{{User:RMCD bot/subject notice|1=Khaltmaagiin Battulga|2=Talk:Battulga Khaltmaa#Requested move 17 June 2017 }}
{{family name hatnote|Battulga|Khaltmaagiin|lang=Mongolian}}
{{multiple issues|
{{more footnotes|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Khaltmaagiin Battulga
| image = Khaltmaagiin Battulga - 2019 (48425595252) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Battulga in 2019
| office = 5th [[President of Mongolia]]
| primeminister = [[Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat]]<br>[[Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh]]<br>[[Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene]]
| term_start = 10 July 2017
| term_end = 25 June 2021
| predecessor = [[Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj]]
| successor = [[Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh]]
| office1 = Member of the [[State Great Khural]]
| term_start1 = 2004
| term_end1 = 2008
| constituency1 = [[Bayankhongor Province]]
| term_start2 = 2008
| term_end2 = 2012
| constituency2 = [[Bayankhongor Province]]
| term_start3 = 2012
| term_end3 = 2016
| constituency3 = [[Bayankhongor Province]]
| term_start4 = 2 July 2024
| term_end4 =
| constituency4 = 4th,<br>[[Bulgan Province|Bulgan]], [[Khövsgöl Province|Khövsgöl]], [[Orkhon Province|Orkhon]] Provinces
| office5 = Minister of Industry and Agriculture
| primeminister5 = [[Norovyn Altankhuyag]]
| term_start5 = 2012
| term_end5 = 2014
| predecessor5 = Post established
| successor5 = Sharavdorjiin Tüvdendorj
| office6 = Minister of Road, Transport, Construction and Urban development
| primeminister6 = [[Sanjaagiin Bayar]]<br>[[Sükhbaataryn Batbold]]
| term_start6 = 2008
| term_end6 = 2012
| predecessor6 = Tserendashiin Tsolmon
| successor6 = Tsedeviin Dashdorj
| office7 = Chairman of Steering committee of the Mongolian Democratic Union
| term_start7 = 2006
| term_end7 = 2017
| office8 = President of the Mongolian Judo Association
| term_start8 = 2006
| term_end8 = 2017
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|3|3|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Ulaanbaatar]], [[Mongolian People's Republic]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = [[Democratic Party (Mongolia)|Democratic Party]]
| alma_mater = [[School of Fine Arts of Mongolia]]
| module = {{Infobox sportsperson |embed = yes
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalCountry | {{flag|Mongolia|1945}}}}
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]] }}
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Sambo Championships|World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[1983 World Sambo Championships|1983 Kiev]] | –52 kg }}
{{MedalSilver | [[1986 World Sambo Championships|1986 Saint-Jean-de-Luz]] | –52 kg }}
{{MedalBronze | [[1988 World Sambo Championships|1988 Montreal]] | –57 kg}}
{{MedalSilver | [[1990 World Sambo Championships|1990 Moscow]] | –57 kg}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Friendship Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Wrestling at the Friendship Games|1984 Ulaanbaatar]] | –57 kg }}
{{MedalCompetition|World Cup}}
{{MedalSilver | 1987 Rabat | –52 kg }}
{{MedalSilver | 1988 Tokyo | –52 kg }}
{{MedalGold | 1989 Ulaanbaatar | –52 kg }}
}}
}}
| native_name_lang = mn
[[File:Khaltmaagiin Battulga.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Battulga in 2014]]
| native_name = {{nobold|Халтмаагийн Баттулга}}
'''Battulga Khaltmaa''' (born 3 March, 1963 ) is a [[Mongolian]] [[politician]] who served as Member of the [[State Great Khural]] from 2004-2016 and Minister of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development from 2008-2012. He is [[Democratic Party (Mongolia)]]'s nominee for [[President of Mongolia]] in the [[Mongolian presidential election, 2017| 2017 election]].
}}

'''Khaltmaagiin Battulga''' ({{langx|mn|Халтмаагийн Баттулга}} {{IPA-mn|χaɬtʰˈmaːɟiɴ ˈpat̚tʰʊɬq|}}), also referred to as '''Battulga Khaltmaa''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|æ|t|ʊ|l|g|ə|_|k|æ|l|t|ˈ|m|aː}}; born 3 March 1963), is a [[Mongolia]]n politician and [[Sambo (martial art)|sambo wrestler]] who served as the 5th [[President of Mongolia]] from 2017 to 2021. He served as Member of the [[State Great Khural]] from 2004 to 2016 and Minister of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development from 2008 to 2012. Before his career in politics, Battulga was a sambo wrestling champion. He was the [[Democratic Party (Mongolia)|Democratic Party's]] candidate in the [[2017 Mongolian presidential election|2017 presidential election]] and was elected President with 50.6% in the [[Two-round system|run-off]], the first-ever run-off election in modern Mongolian history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gec.gov.mn/details/2188 |title=..:: МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН ЕРӨНХИЙЛӨГЧИЙН 2017 ОНЫ СОНГУУЛИЙН 2 ДАХЬ САНАЛ ХУРААЛТЫН ДҮН - Сонгуулийн Ерөнхий Хороо :: |access-date=11 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710125442/http://gec.gov.mn/details/2188 |archive-date=10 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Mongolians are divided about his role in the [[2019 Mongolian constitutional crisis]]. He was elected as a Member of the [[State Great Khural]] for the fourth time in the [[2024 Mongolian parliamentary election|2024 parliamentary election]].<ref name=fourth>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/post/mongolia-election-2024-mpp-wins-third-term-but-majority-reduced | title=Mongolia Election 2024: MPP Wins Third Term, But Majority Reduced | last=Adiya | first=Amar | website=Mongolia Weekly | date=2024-06-29 | access-date=2024-07-04}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
Battulga was born on March 3, 1963, in [[Ulaanbaatar]]. Battulga is a second child of three children.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Монгол Улсын тавдахь Ерөнхийлөгч Х.Баттулгын фото түүх|url=http://www.24tsag.mn/a/152848|access-date=2021-06-04|website=www.24tsag.mn|date=22 July 2017 |language=mn}}</ref> His father and mother are both from [[Bayankhongor Province]].<ref name=":0" /> The family was allocated a traditional [[yurt|''ger'']] in the Yarmag district in Ulaanbaatar after they lost everything in the flood of [[Tuul River]] in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-22|title=Баттулга Халтмаагийн|url=https://tedhenbe.wordpress.com/%d0%b1%d0%b0%d1%82%d1%82%d1%83%d0%bb%d0%b3%d0%b0-%d1%85-%d0%bc%d0%be%d0%bd%d0%b3%d0%be%d0%bb-%d1%83%d0%bb%d1%81%d1%8b%d0%bd-%d0%b5%d1%80%d3%a9%d0%bd%d1%85%d0%b8%d0%b9%d0%bb%d3%a9%d0%b3%d1%87/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Хэн нь хэн бэ?|language=en|archive-date=5 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605222404/https://tedhenbe.wordpress.com/%d0%b1%d0%b0%d1%82%d1%82%d1%83%d0%bb%d0%b3%d0%b0-%d1%85-%d0%bc%d0%be%d0%bd%d0%b3%d0%be%d0%bb-%d1%83%d0%bb%d1%81%d1%8b%d0%bd-%d0%b5%d1%80%d3%a9%d0%bd%d1%85%d0%b8%d0%b9%d0%bb%d3%a9%d0%b3%d1%87/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Х.БАТТУЛГА: "ЭХЛЭЭД ХУУРТАГДАЖ ЯВСАН, ДАРАА НЬ ХУУРАХ АЖИЛД НЬ ОРОЛЦСООН" ГЭДЭГ ШИГ Л…|url=http://www.baabar.mn/article/3178|access-date=2021-06-04|website=www.baabar.mn {{!}} Шилдэг нийтлэлчдийн клуб}}</ref> In 1978, he graduated from the 10-year 34th secondary school in Ulaanbaatar.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Төрийн тэргүүний намтар|url=https://president.mn/turiin-terguunii-namtar/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгчийн Тамгын Газар|language=en-US}}</ref> In 1982 he graduated from the [[School of Fine Arts of Mongolia]] with a degree in painting.<ref name=":1" /> While studying at the arts school, Battulga sold his paintings to tourists around the Bayangol Hotel area.
Battulga is a second child. His father and mother are both from [[Ulaanbaatar]] city. The family was allocated a traditional “ger” in Yarmag ger district in Ulaanbaatar after they lost everything in the flood of [[Tuul River]] in 1966. Hence, Battulga grew up in the streets of Yarmag and went to a local secondary school. When he graduated from 8th grade, his teacher recommended that he apply to an arts school given his talents. Battulga graduated in 1982. While studying at the Arts School, Battulga sold his paintings to tourists around Bayangol Hotel area, learning sufficient English to help sell his artwork.


=== Business ===
His father was a coach of Mongolian traditional wrestling and thus Battulga grew up wrestling. Battulga was a member of the Mongolian National wrestling team in 1979-1990. Battulga won the world cup championship in Ulaanbaatar in 1989. Wrestling allowed Battulga to travel internationally at a period, when travel abroad for Mongolians was not allowed. Battulga was awarded an Merited Sportsmen of Mongolia in 1995, thereafter being selected as the Chairman of Mongolian [[Judo]] Federation in 2006. Under Battulga’s leadership at the Judo Federation, Mongolian judokas became Olympic Champions for the first time in history.
In 1990, Battulga started sewing and selling jeans locally and in Hungary. Afterwards he became the best Russian Dog in Mongolian community. He saved $600{{Clarify|reason=Which currency?|date=July 2020}} to buy a video camera and start an export-import business trading electronics from Singapore to Mongolia, Russia, and Eastern Europe.<ref>[http://www.24tsag.mn/content/17013.shtml “24 Facts from the Biography of a Mongolian Millionaire: Kh.Battulga”] by D.Undrakh, 24tsag.mn, 22 August 2012,</ref>


Battulga was fascinated with ''[[The Godfather]]'' and named his first company Genco, the name of the olive oil importing company in the film.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2020-12-27|title=Under the Microscope: President's Offshore Assets Cause a Stir in Mongolia|url=https://intpolicydigest.org/under-the-microscope-president-s-offshore-assets-cause-a-stir-in-mongolia/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=International Policy Digest|language=en-US}}</ref> Genco acquired controlling interests during the privatization of state-owned assets such as Bayangol Hotel and meat-processing factory Makh-Impex in 1997 and 1999 respectively.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
In 1990, Battulga started sewing and selling jeans locally and in Hungary. This allowed him to make $600, sufficient to buy a video camera and to start an export-import business trading electronics from Singapore to Mongolia, Russia and Eastern Europe.<ref>Became national bestseller, 8 January 2016, http://www.gencobook.com/blog/-/2016/1/8
“24 Facts from the Biography of a Mongolian Millionaire: Kh.Battulga” by D.Undrakh, 24tsag.mn, 22 August 2012, http://www.24tsag.mn/content/17013.shtml</ref>


=== Wrestling ===
Battulga, like many others of his generation was fascinated with ''[[The Godfather]]'' movie. Thus, he named his first company Genco. This nickname has stuck with him ever since.
Battulga grew up practicing [[Mongolian wrestling|Mongolian traditional wrestling]], as his father Khaltmaa was a coach.<ref name=":0" /> He later transitioned to [[Sambo (martial art)|sambo wrestling]] and represented the [[Mongolian People's Republic]] in international competition from 1983 to 1990. He won [[Gold medal|gold]] at the [[1983 World Sambo Championships|1983 World Championships]] and 1989 World Cup, along with several other medals at the World Championships, World Cup, and [[Friendship Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-07 |title=Баттулга Халтмаагийн {{!}} ВнутриСамбо |url=https://vsambo.ru/izvestnye-lichnosti/battulga-haltmaagijn/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |language=ru-RU}}</ref> Battulga was awarded a Merited Sportsmen of Mongolia in 1995, and became Chairman of the Mongolian [[Judo]] Federation in 2006.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> Under Battulga's leadership at the Judo Federation, Mongolian judokas became Olympic champions for the first time in history.<ref name=":1" />


==Political activity==
Genco acquired controlling interests during the privatization of state-owned assets such as Bayangol Hotel and meat-processing factory Makh-Impex in 1997 and 1999 respectively. In the 1990s Genco group started one of the first taxi businesses in Mongolia called City Taxi, retail store operations under Sapporo name, lottery business, restaurant and night club operations, flour milling and bread making factory Talkh Chikher LLC.
[[File:Ilham Aliyev met with Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga 03.jpg|thumb|Battulga with Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]] in [[Baku]].]]
In 2004, Battulga became a Member of Parliament for [[Bayankhongor Province|Bayankhongor province]] for the first time. He was re-elected to parliament in 2008, 2012, and 2024.<ref name=fourth /> From 2008 to 2012, he was Minister of Roads and Transport of Mongolia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Заседание Правления АО "Улан-Баторская железная дорога"|url=http://www.rlw.gov.ru/press/document/4711|access-date=2021-06-04|website=www.rlw.gov.ru}}</ref> In 2012, he was appointed to the post of Minister of Industry and Agriculture of Mongolia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mongolnow.com/battulga.html|title=Архивированная копия|access-date=2017-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621151015/http://www.mongolnow.com/battulga.html|archive-date=2017-06-21|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Political views==
=== Election ===
[[2017 Mongolian presidential election|Presidential elections]] were held on 26 June 2017. Incumbent President [[Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj]] was constitutionally barred from running for a third term.<ref>[http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8495 Presidential election planned for June 26] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212091458/http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8495|date=12 February 2017}} Montsame, 26 January 2017</ref> Battulga ran in the election representing the Democratic Party. He ran against former Prime Minister [[Miyeegombyn Enkhbold]] of the [[Mongolian People's Party]]. For the first time, no candidate received a majority of the vote in the first round, forcing a run-off between Battulga and [[Miyeegombyn Enkhbold|Enkhbold]] on 7 July, brought forward from 9 July.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-elections-idUSKBN19H238 No decisive winner in Mongolia presidential vote: election committee] Reuters, 26 June 2017</ref><ref>[http://montsame.mn/en/read/10648 Presidential election:second ballot on July 9] Montsame, 26 June 2017</ref><ref>[http://asiarussia.ru/news/16815/ Election of the President of Mongolia moved to July 7] ARD, 28 June 2017 {{in lang|mn}}</ref> In the second round, Battulga was narrowly elected with 50.61% of the popular vote.


The "Mongolia Will Win" or "Moya" grassroots movement, also known as "Мояа" in Mongolian, emerged from President Battulga's 2017 election slogan "Монгол Ялна" (Mongol Yalna), which translates to "Mongolia Will Win". The term "Мояа" (Moya) is a derivative of this slogan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adiya |first=Amar |date=2024-04-05 |title=The Moya (Mongolian MAGA) Movement: A Political Wild Card? |url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/post/the-mongolian-maga-movement-a-political-wild-card |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Mongolia Weekly |language=en}}</ref> Moya activists are a diverse, impassioned group bound by a shared sense of Mongolian nationalism and a deep distrust of the political establishment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adiya |first=Amar |date=2024-04-05 |title=The Moya (Mongolian MAGA) Movement: A Political Wild Card? |url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/post/the-mongolian-maga-movement-a-political-wild-card |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Mongolia Weekly |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Vladimir Putin and Khaltmaagiin Battulga (2017-09-07) 01.jpg|thumb|[[Vladimir Putin]] and Battulga Khaltmaa in [[Vladivostok]].]]
In 2004, Battulga became a Member of Parliament for the first time from [[Bayankhongor Province|Bayankhongor province]]. He was re-elected to parliament in 2008 and 2012.
[[File:President Trump Meets with the President of Mongolia (48425595252).jpg|thumb|Battulga with U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] in [[Washington, D.C.]].]]


==Presidency (2017–2021)==
Battulga believes that every Mongolian citizen should benefit from its mineral wealth according to article 6.1 of the [[Constitution of Mongolia]], under which mineral resources are to be developed in consideration of ensuring the nation's economic security and the development of all forms of property and social development of the population. Due to landlocked geography of Mongolia, Battulga views that a unified railway network would enhance the global competitiveness of its national mining industry by creating multiple access points through which the country can target multiple inland and seaborne markets. Furthermore, Battulga believes, given the cyclical nature of commodity markets, industrial clusters designed to do value-add processing of mineral products should be established to create skilled jobs, introduce downstream industrial technologies and diversify the economy, enhancing local purchasing power that would create economic multiplier effect in housing, services and other economic sectors. Battulga thinks that agriculture has a prominent place in diversifying the economy as Mongolia is rich in livestock, about 60 million, with largest consumers of agricultural products as its neighbors. He believes cashmere and leather products could be successfully marketed internationally because of the scarcity factor.


===Inauguration===
Recognizing these principles, Battulga sponsored the State Policy of Railway Transportation of Mongolia (“Railway Policy”) with the Parliament approving it with 84% votes in 24 June 2010 to construct 5,600&nbsp;km railway base infrastructure in three phases that calls for providing access to multiple seaports in China and Russia, creating three transportation corridors between China, Russia and Europe, as well as establishing and industrial cluster in Sainshand.
Battulga's inauguration took place at the State Palace on 10 July 2017 in the presence of Prime Minister [[Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat]] and former president [[Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj|Elbegdorj]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/10/c_136432805.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220192240/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/10/c_136432805.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2021|title=Khaltmaa Battulga inaugurated as Mongolian president - Xinhua &#124; English.news.cn|website=xinhuanet.com}}</ref> In his presidential address, he laid out the principles for his term, including one for the industrialization of the country. He also said that he would work to maintain and expand the good-neighbor relations with [[Russia]] and [[China]] and will "pay utmost attention" to the [[third neighbor policy]], referring to the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2017/07/10/inauguration-address-by-khaltmaagiin-battulga-the-president-of-mongolia-at-the-ceremony-of-presidential-swearing-into-office/|title=INAUGURATION ADDRESS BY KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA, THE PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA, AT THE CEREMONY OF PRESIDENTIAL SWEARING INTO OFFICE|date=10 July 2017}}</ref> After the ceremony, he went outside to lay wreaths at the monuments to [[Damdin Sükhbaatar]] and [[Chinggis Khaan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2017/07/10/the-president-of-mongolia-khaltmaagiin-battulga-pays-tribute-to-the-statues-of-d-sukhbaatar-and-chinggis-khaan/|title=THE PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE STATUES OF D.SUKHBAATAR AND CHINGGIS KHAAN|date=10 July 2017}}</ref> He also received state [[heraldry]], including the state stamp and the presidential certificate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2017/07/10/president-battulga-receives-state-stamp/|title=PRESIDENT BATTULGA RECEIVES STATE STAMP|date=10 July 2017}}</ref>


Since he became president, Battulga has made it standard practice for people to put their hand on their heart during the performance of the [[national anthem of Mongolia]] by a [[concert band|concert]] or [[military band]], as well as a vocal performance.
Battulga acknowledges that limited human resources and financial capability of Mongolia requires multilateral international participation in the development of the economy, rather than making bilateral arrangement with its neighbors. Battulga strongly opposes control of mineral resources by a few politically connected businessmen reaping of great profits and increase income gap between the rich and the poor, potentially creating political and social instability in the country. For example, as the Minister responsible for development of infrastructure and industrial projects, Battulga encouraged participation of international companies in the development of business cases, feasibility and necessary detailed engineering studies, resulting in selection of Bechtel Enterprises, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Guggenheim, Fluor, McKinsey & Company, Nippon Koei, Pillsbury Winthrop Pittman Shaw LLP, Samsung, Sidley Austin LLP, Taylor Wessing. As a result, many international companies have expressed their interest to invest, provide technologies and construction services, such as Air Liquide (France), Baotou Steel (China), Dandong Port (China), Overseas Infrastructure Alliance (India), OAO Russian Railways (Russia), Rao UES (Russia), Sembcorp (Singapore), Sinohydro (China), Steel Authority of India Limited (India), among many others.


===Domestic policy===
<ref>“Stories Behind Imprisonments” by G.Mongon, Eagle.com, 27 November 2015, http://old.eagle.mn/content/read/37605.htm
Corporate website Talkh Chikher LLC, http://talkh-chikher.mn/#page-home
Constitution of Mongolia, Article 5.4, 13 January 1992, http://www.unesco.org/education/edurights/media/docs/6a6a23469e136afaa4860bf5869f6f8f659c6688.pdf</ref>


====Death penalty====
On 3 November 2012, the Government of Mongolia announced that it resolved to build 1,800&nbsp;km railway infrastructure integrating Phase 1 and 2 of the Railway Policy. Stakeholders such as Hong Kong listed Mongolian Mining Corporation greeted such government policy in its press release stating that the policy is particularly beneficial for Mongolian coal exporters.
{{See also|2019 Mongolian constitutional crisis}}
Within days of his inauguration, he took measures to reinstate the [[Capital punishment in Mongolia|death penalty]] for [[sexual offenders]], which came days after the death penalty was completely abolished in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/mongolian-president-to-begin-process-reinstate-death-penalty/50000262-3570539|title=Mongolian president to begin process to reinstate death penalty|website=efe.com}}</ref> On 16 October, Battulga announced the formation of an expert group to look into the reinstatement of the death penalty for premeditated murder and rape.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/1664/|title=Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгч Х.Баттулга цаазын ялыг сэргээхээр хуульчдын баг ажиллуулж байгаа|date=16 October 2017}}</ref> The following month, he submitted his proposal to the [[Ministry of Justice (Mongolia)|justice and interior ministry]].<ref>http://olloo.mn/n/48678.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212223450/http://olloo.mn/n/48678.html |date=12 December 2021 }}, 2017-11-24</ref> In a speech to the during the opening of the autumn session of the [[State Great Khural]], he claimed that a systemic social crisis is to blame for the national challenges that posed a threat to the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/10/01/address-by-president-at-the-opening-of-the-fall-session-of-the-parliament-2018/|title=ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA AT THE OPENING OF THE FALL SESSION OF THE STATE GREAT KHURAL OF MONGOLIA|date=1 October 2018}}</ref>


{{Blockquote|The problem lies within the system itself, rather than due to a single individual or political party. Regardless of how good the person or the political party is, they become victims of the irresponsible, poorly coordinated, and unaccountable system, and an adverse condition is set where problems keep piling up and stress levels in the society keep rising.|author=Khaltmaagiin Battulga<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montsame.mn/en/read/166223|title=President Kh.Battulga addresses at the opening of Autumn Session of the Parliament|website=MONTSAME News Agency}}</ref>|title=|source=}}
Battulga was instrumental in background coordination for preparation work and ultimate signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Governments of Mongolia and Japan during official visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 22 October 2015. This memorandum expresses intention of Japan to invest in the construction of railway infrastructure from Tavan Tolgoi coal mine to Sainshand railway line connecting it to the Trans-Mongolian Railway Network and providing access to Chinese and Russian seaports. Furthermore, plans have been made for Chinese, Russian and Japanese investments in financing the railway in exchange of coking coal sourcing from Mongolia. Investment blueprint and roadmap was agreed with the Japanese government, Japan Bank for International Cooperation and Japanese major trading companies.


==== Constitutional crisis ====
Battulga believes foreign direct investment on balanced terms is an important catalyzer for Mongolia’s economic development and job creation. His policies has been aimed at enhancing fair, transparent and reciprocal trade.
On 27 March 2019, the State Great Khural began a [[2019 Mongolian constitutional crisis|constitutional crisis]] when it adopted an unprecedented law that gave the [[National Security Council of Mongolia]] the power to recommend the dismissal of judges and prosecutors, as well as the head of the national [[anti-corruption]] service. Battulga's political party, the opposition's main minority faction in the parliament, claims that the law undermines the country's constitutional [[separation of powers]] and the larger Mongolian democratic system.<ref>{{cite web|date=29 March 2019|title=Mongolia's President is slicing away its hard-won democracy|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/29/mongolias-president-is-slicing-away-its-hard-won-democracy/|website=Foreignpolicy.com}}</ref>


==== Disbandment of the MPP ====
Battulga criticizes Mongolian economy’s heavy dependence on a single trade partner, thus faces fierce opposition and attacks from shareholders and stakeholders of coal miners.
In April 2021, Battulga issued an emergency directive to disband the MPP "in order to safeguard the sovereignty and democracy of the country" after the MPP passed amendments to the constitution.<ref>{{cite news|author=Baljmaa.T|date=April 20, 2021|title=President presents ordinance on disbanding Mongolian People's Party|publisher=[[Montsame]]|url=https://montsame.mn/en/read/261031}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Battulga Khaltmaa|date=April 19, 2021|title=Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгч Х.Баттулга Монгол ардын намыг тараах тухай захирамж гаргаснаа танилцууллаа|language=Mongolian|publisher=[[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI4EbFIlSs8}}</ref> The constitutional amendments, which took effect in May 2020, limits one's presidency to one term, making Battulga ineligible to re-run in the [[2021 Mongolian presidential election|2021 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weekly|first=Mongolia|date=2020-01-05|title=Welcome to Battulga's rule in 2020s|url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/post/welcome-to-battulga-s-rule-in-2020s|access-date=2020-07-15|website=Mongolia Weekly|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Daily|first=Florida|title=Marco Rubio, Patrick Leahy Urge State Department to Do More to Promote Democracy in Mongolia {{!}} Florida Daily|date=6 May 2021 |url=https://www.floridadaily.com/marco-rubio-patrick-leahy-urge-state-department-to-do-more-to-promote-democracy-in-mongolia/|access-date=2021-06-05|language=en-US}}</ref> At the same time, he also condemned the formation of a “Mongolian Military Union” as 'a parallel military structure" that "threatens the country's democratic foundations" and "endangers the fundamental rights and interests of our citizens and constitution." [[Luvsanvandangiin Bold]], former [[Ministry of Defense (Mongolia)|Minister of Defense]] and current Battulga's Advisor on National Security warned that the creation of the union "will lead to the creation of quasi-fascist regime.”<ref>{{Cite press release|last=Mongolia|first=President of|date=2021-04-22|title=Mongolian President Takes Emergency Action to Protect Sovereignty and Democracy|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2021/04/22/2215496/0/en/Mongolian-President-Takes-Emergency-Action-to-Protect-Sovereignty-and-Democracy.html|access-date=2021-06-05|website=GlobeNewswire News Room|language=en}}</ref>


===Foreign policy===
==Social contributions==
Battulga sponsored construction of Chingis Khan Equestrian Statue near Ulaanbaatar to celebrate national pride. The statue became one of the main tourist attraction sights.
<ref>Genghis Khan Rules Mongolia Again, in a P.R. Campaign, New York Times, 2 August 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/world/asia/03genghis.html
Mongolian Judo: From Tradition to Modernity, 10 August 2013, http://judotalk.com/profiles/blogs/mongolian-judo-from-tradition-to-modernity</ref>


==== East Asia ====
Battulga is largely seen as a pro-Russian politician and a [[Russophilia|Russophile]] due to his Russian ties and his knowledge of the [[Russian language]]. He is commonly compared to Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] due to their shared love and experience in [[judo]]. When he spoke to Putin during a summit in [[Russian Far East|eastern Russia]] in September 2017, Putin said that the shared sport will help "develop a good working and personal relationship".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/55551|title=Meeting with President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga|website=President of Russia|date=7 September 2017 }}</ref>


Battulga has in recent years criticized the Mongolian economy's dependence on [[China]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mongolia's Shrinking Foreign Policy Space &#124; The Asan Forum|date=22 August 2017 |url=http://www.theasanforum.org/mongolias-shrinking-foreign-policy-space/}}</ref>
Battulga is also the President of Mongolian Judo Association. Under his guidance, Mongolian judoka Tuvshinbayar Naidan became an Olympic Judo Champion in Beijing 2008 and many other successful judokas that have become national heroes. Thanks to these successes judo has become one of the most popular sports in Mongolia.


On 14 June 2018, after the conclusion of the [[Singapore Summit]] between North Korean leader [[Kim Jong Un]] and U.S. President [[Donald Trump]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 June 2018|title=HEAD OF STATE CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT DONALD J.TRUMP ON SINGAPORE SUMMIT|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/06/13/head-of-state-congratulates-president-donald-j-trump-on-singapore-summit/}}</ref> Battulga congratulated both leaders, telling Kim that he considers the summit as a "landmark event not only for the [[North Korea–United States relations]] but for the [[Northeast Asia]]n region and the [[Korean Peninsula]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/06/13/president-congratulates-the-dprk-chairman-kim-jong-un-on-the-singapore-summit/|title=PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES THE DPRK CHAIRMAN KIM JONG UN ON THE SINGAPORE SUMMIT|date=13 June 2018}}</ref> Battulga was widely expected to host the summit as the Mongolian [[head of state]] due to the fact that the country has sponsored many regional summits in recent years and is easily accessible by train from [[Pyongyang, North Korea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2141030/us-north-korea-talks-have-many-obstacles-overcome-starting|title=US-North Korea talks have many obstacles to overcome – starting with where to meetwebsite=South China Morning Post|date=April 10, 2018|access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref> Days after the summit, Battulga invited Kim to [[Ulan Bator]] for a state visit in honor of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2018/10/mongolian-president-invites-kim-jong-un-to-ulaanbaatar/|title=Mongolian President invites Kim Jong Un to Ulaanbaatar &#124; NK News|date=15 October 2018|website=NK News - North Korea News}}</ref>


====Others====
In mid-March 2018, Battulga appealed to U.S. President Trump via telegram to more trade relations, saying an economic downturn threatened to destabilize Mongolia, and that although Mongolia is an "oasis of democracy", this "does not contribute to economic development" in a region where authoritarianism (China and Russia) is on the rise.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-president-usa-idUSKCN1GP0PI|title=Mongolia president appeals to U.S. for trade to protect democracy|newspaper=Reuters|date=13 March 2018|via=mobile.reuters.com}}</ref><ref>https://www.euronews.com/2018/03/13/mongolia-president-appeals-to-us-for-trade-to-protect-democracy {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> The United States is one of Mongolia’s so-called [[Third neighbor policy|Third Neighbors]], which Battulga said that U.S. trade and investment could help prevent the return of authoritarian in Mongolia. During a visit to [[Kyrgyzstan]] in June 2019, Battulga opened the Mongolian Embassy in [[Bishkek]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-06/13/c_138141023.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613171129/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-06/13/c_138141023.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 June 2019|title=Mongolia opens embassy in Kyrgyzstan - Xinhua &#124; English.news.cn|website=xinhuanet.com}}</ref>


====International trips as president====
<ref>Land Locked Countries Conference, Ministry of Roads and Transportation of Mongolia, June 2014, http://www.lldc2conference.org/custom-content/uploads/2014/06/8-Mr.-Yo.-Manlaibayar-MRT_Railways_WTO-meeting_eng.pdf
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
Mongolian Mining Corporation, Announcement On The Government Of Mongolia’s Decision On Unified Railway Network Development, 4 November 2012, http://www.mmc.mn/admin/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Announcement_on_the_government_of_Mon_eng.pdf</ref>
| colspan="4" bgcolor="black" align="center" style="color:white;" |'''List of foreign visits by Khaltmaagiin Battulga'''
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
! rowspan="1" | Date
! rowspan="1" width="150" align="center" | Country
! colspan="1" align="center" | City
! rowspan="1" width="150" align="center" | Type of visit/Reason for visit
|-
| 29 August–1 September 2017
|| {{flagu|Hungary}}
|| [[Budapest]]
|| 2017 World Judo Championships<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2017/08/29/president-battulga-working-in-budapest/|title=PRESIDENT BATTULGA WORKING IN BUDAPEST|date=29 August 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 4–7 September 2017
|| {{flagu|Russia}}
|| [[Vladivostok]]
|| Eastern Economic Forum<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2017/09/04/president-battulga-arrives-in-vladivostok-for-eastern-economic-forum/|title=PRESIDENT BATTULGA ARRIVES IN VLADIVOSTOK FOR EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM|date=4 September 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 9–10 June 2018
|| {{flagdeco|PRC}} China
|| [[Qingdao]]
|| [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/06/09/president-departs-for-shanghai-cooperation-organization-summit/|title=PRESIDENT DEPARTS FOR SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION SUMMIT|date=9 June 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 11–13 September 2018
|| {{flagu|Russia}}
|| [[Vladivostok]]
|| Eastern Economic Forum<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/09/10/president-khaltmaagiin-battulga-to-attend-the-4th-eastern-economic-forum/|title=PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA TO ATTEND THE 4TH EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM|date=10 September 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 24 September 2018
|| {{flagu|Azerbaijan}}
|| [[Baku]]
|| Working visit<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/09/24/president-khaltmaagiin-battulga-on-a-working-visit-to-azerbaijan/|title=PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA BEGINS HIS WORKING VISIT TO AZERBAIJAN|date=24 September 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 18–19 October 2018
|| {{flagu|Belgium}}
|| [[Brussels]]
|| 12th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2018/10/16/president-to-attend-the-12th-asem-summit-and-the-world-investment-forum/|title=PRESIDENT TO ATTEND THE 12TH ASEM SUMMIT AND THE WORLD INVESTMENT FORUM|date=16 October 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 22–26 October 2018
|| {{flagu|Switzerland}}
|| [[Geneva]]
|| 2018 World Investment Forum
|-
| 24–28 April 2019
|| {{flagdeco|PRC}} China
|| [[Beijing]]
|| [[State visit]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2019/04/23/president-to-pay-state-visit-to-china-attend-the-belt-and-road-forum/|title=PRESIDENT TO PAY STATE VISIT TO CHINA, ATTEND THE BELT AND ROAD FORUM|date=23 April 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 12–14 June 2019
|| {{flagu|Kyrgyzstan}}
|| [[Bishkek]]
|| [[State visit]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2019/06/12/president-battulga-formally-greeted-by-his-kyrgyz-counterpart/|title=PRESIDENT BATTULGA GREETED BY HIS KYRGYZ COUNTERPART|date=12 June 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 30 July–1 August 2019
|| {{flagu|United States}}
|| [[Washington, D.C.]]
|| [[State visit]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-expanding-partnership-mongolia/|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|title=President Donald J. Trump is Expanding Our Partnership with Mongolia}}</ref>
|-
| 4–5 September 2019
|| {{flagu|Russia}}
|| [[Vladivostok]]
|| Eastern Economic Forum
|-
| 18–23 September 2019
|| {{flagu|India}}
|| [[New Delhi]]
|| [[State visit]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/mongolian-president-khaltmaagiin-battulga-visits-163800740.html|title=Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga visits Taj Mahal|website=in.news.yahoo.com}}</ref>
|-
| 19 January 2020
|| {{flagu|Switzerland}}
|| [[Davos]]
|| World Economic Forum<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2020/01/19/president-departs-for-switzerland-to-attend-the-world-economic-forum/|title=PRESIDENT DEPARTS FOR SWITZERLAND TO ATTEND THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM|date=19 January 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 27 January 2020
|| {{flagu|Norway}}
|| [[Oslo]]
|| Working visit<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.mn/en/2020/01/27/president-of-mongolia-visiting-the-kingdom-of-norway/|title=PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA VISITING THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY|date=27 January 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 27 February 2020
|| {{flagdeco|PRC}} China
|| [[Beijing]]
|| [[State visit]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/27/c_138824927.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229014442/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/27/c_138824927.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 February 2020|title=China Focus: Xi says China, Mongolia help each other in face of difficulties - Xinhua &#124; English.news.cn}}</ref>
|}

==Private life==
He currently lives with Angelique Davain, a Russian by nationality and native of the [[Khentii Province]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eg.ru/politics/363200/|title=Новый президент Монголии женат на русской|website=EG.RU}}</ref> His legal wife, Ts. Enkhtuya was the director of the Nüüdelchin Company. He is currently a father to two sets of twin sons and one daughter. Aside from [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]], Battulga speaks [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[English language|English]].<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=ru:Новый президент Монголии — миллиардер, дзюдоист, художник, с русской женой: EADaily|url=https://eadaily.com/ru/news/2017/07/10/novyy-prezident-mongolii-milliarder-dzyudoist-hudozhnik-s-russkoy-zhenoy|work=EADaily|date=10 July 2017 |access-date=2019-06-14|language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zabvo.su/showthread.php?199-%D0%98%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5-%D0%BE-%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B8/page606 |script-title=ru:Интересное о Монголии - Страница 606|publisher=www.zabvo.su|language=ru|access-date=2019-06-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=ru:Кто такой кандидат в президенты Монголии Халтмаагийн Баттулга|url=http://asiarussia.ru/persons/16149/|access-date=2019-06-14|language=ru}}</ref>

[[John Bolton]] wrote in his book ''[[The Room Where It Happened]]'' that President Battulga's son served in Afghanistan for a US-led multinational force.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mongoliaweekly/status/1277757810781106178|access-date=2020-07-05|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2022}}

=== Residence ===
In 2017, newly-elected Battulga has said that he intended to live in the "Winter Palace" in central Ulaanbaatar, also known as the Marshal’s Residence, in a departure from tradition.<ref name="montsame.mn">{{Cite web|title=New president of Mongolia to live in walking distance from his office, unofficial sources say|url=https://montsame.mn/en/read/130850|access-date=2021-06-04|website=MONTSAME News Agency|language=en}}</ref> The two story-building was originally the residence of Marshal [[Khorloogiin Choibalsan]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Mongolian President to live in 'Winter Palace' - News.MN|url=https://news.mn/en/505321/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=News.MN - The source of news|language=en}}</ref> It is located in the heart of the capital between Peace Avenue and Seoul Street (next to the 1st School and the Russian Embassy). Being 400 meter from the State House he insisted to stay there so that he can walk to work.<ref name="montsame.mn"/>

===Social contributions===
Battulga sponsored the construction of the [[Equestrian statue of Genghis Khan|Chingis Khan Equestrian Statue]] near Ulaanbaatar to celebrate national pride. The statue became one of the main tourist attractions.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/world/asia/03genghis.html Genghis Khan Rules Mongolia Again, in a P.R. Campaign], [[New York Times]], 2 August 2009</ref><ref>[http://judotalk.com/profiles/blogs/mongolian-judo-from-tradition-to-modernity Mongolian Judo: From Tradition to Modernity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803193305/http://judotalk.com/profiles/blogs/mongolian-judo-from-tradition-to-modernity |date=3 August 2017 }}, 10 August 2013</ref>

Battulga is also President of the Mongolian Judo Association. Under his guidance, Mongolian judoka Tuvshinbayar Naidan became an Olympic judo champion in Beijing 2008. As such, judo has become one of the most popular sports in Mongolia.<ref>[http://www.lldc2conference.org/custom-content/uploads/2014/06/8-Mr.-Yo.-Manlaibayar-MRT_Railways_WTO-meeting_eng.pdfLand Locked Countries Conference, Ministry of Roads and Transportation of Mongolia]{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, June 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.mmc.mn/admin/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Announcement_on_the_government_of_Mon_eng.pdf Mongolian Mining Corporation, Announcement On The Government Of Mongolia’s Decision On Unified Railway Network Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921160313/http://www.mmc.mn/admin/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Announcement_on_the_government_of_Mon_eng.pdf |date=21 September 2013 }}, 4 November 2012</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
{{improve categories|date=May 2017}}
{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{official|https://president.mn}}


{{s-start}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khaltmaa, Battulga}}
{{s-off}}
[[Category:Democratic Party (Mongolia) politicians]]
{{s-bef|before=[[Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[President of Mongolia]]|years=2017–2021}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Heads of state of Mongolia}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Battulga, Khaltmaa}}
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:20th-century Mongolian painters]]
[[Category:21st-century Mongolian politicians]]
[[Category:Agriculture ministers of Mongolia]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Democratic Party (Mongolia) politicians]]
[[Category:Industry ministers of Mongolia]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Mongolian male judoka]]
[[Category:Mongolian sambo practitioners]]
[[Category:Painters from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Politicians from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Presidents of Mongolia]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Transport ministers of Mongolia]]

Latest revision as of 16:02, 14 December 2024

In this Mongolian name, the given name is Battulga. Khaltmaagiin is a patronymic, not a family name.

Khaltmaagiin Battulga
Халтмаагийн Баттулга
Battulga in 2019
5th President of Mongolia
In office
10 July 2017 – 25 June 2021
Prime MinisterJargaltulgyn Erdenebat
Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh
Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
Preceded byTsakhiagiin Elbegdorj
Succeeded byUkhnaagiin Khürelsükh
Member of the State Great Khural
In office
2004–2008
ConstituencyBayankhongor Province
In office
2008–2012
ConstituencyBayankhongor Province
In office
2012–2016
ConstituencyBayankhongor Province
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 July 2024
Constituency4th,
Bulgan, Khövsgöl, Orkhon Provinces
Minister of Industry and Agriculture
In office
2012–2014
Prime MinisterNorovyn Altankhuyag
Preceded byPost established
Succeeded bySharavdorjiin Tüvdendorj
Minister of Road, Transport, Construction and Urban development
In office
2008–2012
Prime MinisterSanjaagiin Bayar
Sükhbaataryn Batbold
Preceded byTserendashiin Tsolmon
Succeeded byTsedeviin Dashdorj
Chairman of Steering committee of the Mongolian Democratic Union
In office
2006–2017
President of the Mongolian Judo Association
In office
2006–2017
Personal details
Born (1963-03-03) 3 March 1963 (age 61)
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People's Republic
Political partyDemocratic Party
Alma materSchool of Fine Arts of Mongolia
Sports career
Medal record
Representing  Mongolia
Men's Sambo
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1983 Kiev –52 kg
Silver medal – second place 1986 Saint-Jean-de-Luz –52 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1988 Montreal –57 kg
Silver medal – second place 1990 Moscow –57 kg
Friendship Games
Silver medal – second place 1984 Ulaanbaatar –57 kg
World Cup
Silver medal – second place 1987 Rabat –52 kg
Silver medal – second place 1988 Tokyo –52 kg
Gold medal – first place 1989 Ulaanbaatar –52 kg

Khaltmaagiin Battulga (Mongolian: Халтмаагийн Баттулга [χaɬtʰˈmaːɟiɴ ˈpat̚tʰʊɬq]), also referred to as Battulga Khaltmaa (/ˈbætʊlɡə kæltˈmɑː/; born 3 March 1963), is a Mongolian politician and sambo wrestler who served as the 5th President of Mongolia from 2017 to 2021. He served as Member of the State Great Khural from 2004 to 2016 and Minister of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development from 2008 to 2012. Before his career in politics, Battulga was a sambo wrestling champion. He was the Democratic Party's candidate in the 2017 presidential election and was elected President with 50.6% in the run-off, the first-ever run-off election in modern Mongolian history.[1] Mongolians are divided about his role in the 2019 Mongolian constitutional crisis. He was elected as a Member of the State Great Khural for the fourth time in the 2024 parliamentary election.[2]

Background

[edit]

Battulga was born on March 3, 1963, in Ulaanbaatar. Battulga is a second child of three children.[3] His father and mother are both from Bayankhongor Province.[3] The family was allocated a traditional ger in the Yarmag district in Ulaanbaatar after they lost everything in the flood of Tuul River in 1966.[4][5] In 1978, he graduated from the 10-year 34th secondary school in Ulaanbaatar.[6] In 1982 he graduated from the School of Fine Arts of Mongolia with a degree in painting.[6] While studying at the arts school, Battulga sold his paintings to tourists around the Bayangol Hotel area.

Business

[edit]

In 1990, Battulga started sewing and selling jeans locally and in Hungary. Afterwards he became the best Russian Dog in Mongolian community. He saved $600[clarification needed] to buy a video camera and start an export-import business trading electronics from Singapore to Mongolia, Russia, and Eastern Europe.[7]

Battulga was fascinated with The Godfather and named his first company Genco, the name of the olive oil importing company in the film.[6][8] Genco acquired controlling interests during the privatization of state-owned assets such as Bayangol Hotel and meat-processing factory Makh-Impex in 1997 and 1999 respectively.[6][8]

Wrestling

[edit]

Battulga grew up practicing Mongolian traditional wrestling, as his father Khaltmaa was a coach.[3] He later transitioned to sambo wrestling and represented the Mongolian People's Republic in international competition from 1983 to 1990. He won gold at the 1983 World Championships and 1989 World Cup, along with several other medals at the World Championships, World Cup, and Friendship Games.[9] Battulga was awarded a Merited Sportsmen of Mongolia in 1995, and became Chairman of the Mongolian Judo Federation in 2006.[6][3] Under Battulga's leadership at the Judo Federation, Mongolian judokas became Olympic champions for the first time in history.[6]

Political activity

[edit]
Battulga with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku.

In 2004, Battulga became a Member of Parliament for Bayankhongor province for the first time. He was re-elected to parliament in 2008, 2012, and 2024.[2] From 2008 to 2012, he was Minister of Roads and Transport of Mongolia.[10] In 2012, he was appointed to the post of Minister of Industry and Agriculture of Mongolia.[11]

Election

[edit]

Presidential elections were held on 26 June 2017. Incumbent President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj was constitutionally barred from running for a third term.[12] Battulga ran in the election representing the Democratic Party. He ran against former Prime Minister Miyeegombyn Enkhbold of the Mongolian People's Party. For the first time, no candidate received a majority of the vote in the first round, forcing a run-off between Battulga and Enkhbold on 7 July, brought forward from 9 July.[13][14][15] In the second round, Battulga was narrowly elected with 50.61% of the popular vote.

The "Mongolia Will Win" or "Moya" grassroots movement, also known as "Мояа" in Mongolian, emerged from President Battulga's 2017 election slogan "Монгол Ялна" (Mongol Yalna), which translates to "Mongolia Will Win". The term "Мояа" (Moya) is a derivative of this slogan.[16] Moya activists are a diverse, impassioned group bound by a shared sense of Mongolian nationalism and a deep distrust of the political establishment.[17]

Vladimir Putin and Battulga Khaltmaa in Vladivostok.
Battulga with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C..

Presidency (2017–2021)

[edit]

Inauguration

[edit]

Battulga's inauguration took place at the State Palace on 10 July 2017 in the presence of Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat and former president Elbegdorj.[18] In his presidential address, he laid out the principles for his term, including one for the industrialization of the country. He also said that he would work to maintain and expand the good-neighbor relations with Russia and China and will "pay utmost attention" to the third neighbor policy, referring to the United States.[19] After the ceremony, he went outside to lay wreaths at the monuments to Damdin Sükhbaatar and Chinggis Khaan.[20] He also received state heraldry, including the state stamp and the presidential certificate.[21]

Since he became president, Battulga has made it standard practice for people to put their hand on their heart during the performance of the national anthem of Mongolia by a concert or military band, as well as a vocal performance.

Domestic policy

[edit]

Death penalty

[edit]
See also: 2019 Mongolian constitutional crisis

Within days of his inauguration, he took measures to reinstate the death penalty for sexual offenders, which came days after the death penalty was completely abolished in the country.[22] On 16 October, Battulga announced the formation of an expert group to look into the reinstatement of the death penalty for premeditated murder and rape.[23] The following month, he submitted his proposal to the justice and interior ministry.[24] In a speech to the during the opening of the autumn session of the State Great Khural, he claimed that a systemic social crisis is to blame for the national challenges that posed a threat to the country.[25]

The problem lies within the system itself, rather than due to a single individual or political party. Regardless of how good the person or the political party is, they become victims of the irresponsible, poorly coordinated, and unaccountable system, and an adverse condition is set where problems keep piling up and stress levels in the society keep rising.

— Khaltmaagiin Battulga[26]

Constitutional crisis

[edit]

On 27 March 2019, the State Great Khural began a constitutional crisis when it adopted an unprecedented law that gave the National Security Council of Mongolia the power to recommend the dismissal of judges and prosecutors, as well as the head of the national anti-corruption service. Battulga's political party, the opposition's main minority faction in the parliament, claims that the law undermines the country's constitutional separation of powers and the larger Mongolian democratic system.[27]

Disbandment of the MPP

[edit]

In April 2021, Battulga issued an emergency directive to disband the MPP "in order to safeguard the sovereignty and democracy of the country" after the MPP passed amendments to the constitution.[28][29] The constitutional amendments, which took effect in May 2020, limits one's presidency to one term, making Battulga ineligible to re-run in the 2021 presidential election.[30][31] At the same time, he also condemned the formation of a “Mongolian Military Union” as 'a parallel military structure" that "threatens the country's democratic foundations" and "endangers the fundamental rights and interests of our citizens and constitution." Luvsanvandangiin Bold, former Minister of Defense and current Battulga's Advisor on National Security warned that the creation of the union "will lead to the creation of quasi-fascist regime.”[32]

Foreign policy

[edit]

East Asia

[edit]

Battulga is largely seen as a pro-Russian politician and a Russophile due to his Russian ties and his knowledge of the Russian language. He is commonly compared to Russian President Vladimir Putin due to their shared love and experience in judo. When he spoke to Putin during a summit in eastern Russia in September 2017, Putin said that the shared sport will help "develop a good working and personal relationship".[33]

Battulga has in recent years criticized the Mongolian economy's dependence on China.[34]

On 14 June 2018, after the conclusion of the Singapore Summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump,[35] Battulga congratulated both leaders, telling Kim that he considers the summit as a "landmark event not only for the North Korea–United States relations but for the Northeast Asian region and the Korean Peninsula".[36] Battulga was widely expected to host the summit as the Mongolian head of state due to the fact that the country has sponsored many regional summits in recent years and is easily accessible by train from Pyongyang, North Korea.[37] Days after the summit, Battulga invited Kim to Ulan Bator for a state visit in honor of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.[38]

Others

[edit]

In mid-March 2018, Battulga appealed to U.S. President Trump via telegram to more trade relations, saying an economic downturn threatened to destabilize Mongolia, and that although Mongolia is an "oasis of democracy", this "does not contribute to economic development" in a region where authoritarianism (China and Russia) is on the rise.[39][40] The United States is one of Mongolia’s so-called Third Neighbors, which Battulga said that U.S. trade and investment could help prevent the return of authoritarian in Mongolia. During a visit to Kyrgyzstan in June 2019, Battulga opened the Mongolian Embassy in Bishkek.[41]

International trips as president

[edit]
List of foreign visits by Khaltmaagiin Battulga
Date Country City Type of visit/Reason for visit
29 August–1 September 2017  Hungary Budapest 2017 World Judo Championships[42]
4–7 September 2017  Russia Vladivostok Eastern Economic Forum[43]
9–10 June 2018 China Qingdao Shanghai Cooperation Organisation[44]
11–13 September 2018  Russia Vladivostok Eastern Economic Forum[45]
24 September 2018  Azerbaijan Baku Working visit[46]
18–19 October 2018  Belgium Brussels 12th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit[47]
22–26 October 2018   Switzerland Geneva 2018 World Investment Forum
24–28 April 2019 China Beijing State visit[48]
12–14 June 2019  Kyrgyzstan Bishkek State visit[49]
30 July–1 August 2019  United States Washington, D.C. State visit[50]
4–5 September 2019  Russia Vladivostok Eastern Economic Forum
18–23 September 2019  India New Delhi State visit[51]
19 January 2020   Switzerland Davos World Economic Forum[52]
27 January 2020  Norway Oslo Working visit[53]
27 February 2020 China Beijing State visit[54]

Private life

[edit]

He currently lives with Angelique Davain, a Russian by nationality and native of the Khentii Province.[55] His legal wife, Ts. Enkhtuya was the director of the Nüüdelchin Company. He is currently a father to two sets of twin sons and one daughter. Aside from Mongolian, Battulga speaks Russian and English.[56][57][58]

John Bolton wrote in his book The Room Where It Happened that President Battulga's son served in Afghanistan for a US-led multinational force.[59][better source needed]

Residence

[edit]

In 2017, newly-elected Battulga has said that he intended to live in the "Winter Palace" in central Ulaanbaatar, also known as the Marshal’s Residence, in a departure from tradition.[60] The two story-building was originally the residence of Marshal Khorloogiin Choibalsan.[61] It is located in the heart of the capital between Peace Avenue and Seoul Street (next to the 1st School and the Russian Embassy). Being 400 meter from the State House he insisted to stay there so that he can walk to work.[60]

Social contributions

[edit]

Battulga sponsored the construction of the Chingis Khan Equestrian Statue near Ulaanbaatar to celebrate national pride. The statue became one of the main tourist attractions.[62][63]

Battulga is also President of the Mongolian Judo Association. Under his guidance, Mongolian judoka Tuvshinbayar Naidan became an Olympic judo champion in Beijing 2008. As such, judo has become one of the most popular sports in Mongolia.[64][65]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "..:: МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН ЕРӨНХИЙЛӨГЧИЙН 2017 ОНЫ СОНГУУЛИЙН 2 ДАХЬ САНАЛ ХУРААЛТЫН ДҮН - Сонгуулийн Ерөнхий Хороо ::". Archived from the original on 10 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  2. ^ a b Adiya, Amar (29 June 2024). "Mongolia Election 2024: MPP Wins Third Term, But Majority Reduced". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "Монгол Улсын тавдахь Ерөнхийлөгч Х.Баттулгын фото түүх". www.24tsag.mn (in Mongolian). 22 July 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  4. ^ "Баттулга Халтмаагийн". Хэн нь хэн бэ?. 22 January 2020. Archived from the original on 5 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  5. ^ "Х.БАТТУЛГА: "ЭХЛЭЭД ХУУРТАГДАЖ ЯВСАН, ДАРАА НЬ ХУУРАХ АЖИЛД НЬ ОРОЛЦСООН" ГЭДЭГ ШИГ Л…". www.baabar.mn | Шилдэг нийтлэлчдийн клуб. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Төрийн тэргүүний намтар". Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгчийн Тамгын Газар. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  7. ^ “24 Facts from the Biography of a Mongolian Millionaire: Kh.Battulga” by D.Undrakh, 24tsag.mn, 22 August 2012,
  8. ^ a b "Under the Microscope: President's Offshore Assets Cause a Stir in Mongolia". International Policy Digest. 27 December 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  9. ^ "Баттулга Халтмаагийн | ВнутриСамбо" (in Russian). 7 May 2020. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  10. ^ "Заседание Правления АО "Улан-Баторская железная дорога"". www.rlw.gov.ru. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  11. ^ "Архивированная копия". Archived from the original on 21 June 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  12. ^ Presidential election planned for June 26 Archived 12 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine Montsame, 26 January 2017
  13. ^ No decisive winner in Mongolia presidential vote: election committee Reuters, 26 June 2017
  14. ^ Presidential election:second ballot on July 9 Montsame, 26 June 2017
  15. ^ Election of the President of Mongolia moved to July 7 ARD, 28 June 2017 (in Mongolian)
  16. ^ Adiya, Amar (5 April 2024). "The Moya (Mongolian MAGA) Movement: A Political Wild Card?". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  17. ^ Adiya, Amar (5 April 2024). "The Moya (Mongolian MAGA) Movement: A Political Wild Card?". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Khaltmaa Battulga inaugurated as Mongolian president - Xinhua | English.news.cn". xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021.
  19. ^ "INAUGURATION ADDRESS BY KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA, THE PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA, AT THE CEREMONY OF PRESIDENTIAL SWEARING INTO OFFICE". 10 July 2017.
  20. ^ "THE PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE STATUES OF D.SUKHBAATAR AND CHINGGIS KHAAN". 10 July 2017.
  21. ^ "PRESIDENT BATTULGA RECEIVES STATE STAMP". 10 July 2017.
  22. ^ "Mongolian president to begin process to reinstate death penalty". efe.com.
  23. ^ "Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгч Х.Баттулга цаазын ялыг сэргээхээр хуульчдын баг ажиллуулж байгаа". 16 October 2017.
  24. ^ http://olloo.mn/n/48678.html Archived 12 December 2021 at the Wayback Machine, 2017-11-24
  25. ^ "ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA AT THE OPENING OF THE FALL SESSION OF THE STATE GREAT KHURAL OF MONGOLIA". 1 October 2018.
  26. ^ "President Kh.Battulga addresses at the opening of Autumn Session of the Parliament". MONTSAME News Agency.
  27. ^ "Mongolia's President is slicing away its hard-won democracy". Foreignpolicy.com. 29 March 2019.
  28. ^ Baljmaa.T (20 April 2021). "President presents ordinance on disbanding Mongolian People's Party". Montsame.
  29. ^ Battulga Khaltmaa (19 April 2021). "Монгол Улсын Ерөнхийлөгч Х.Баттулга Монгол ардын намыг тараах тухай захирамж гаргаснаа танилцууллаа" (in Mongolian). YouTube.
  30. ^ Weekly, Mongolia (5 January 2020). "Welcome to Battulga's rule in 2020s". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  31. ^ Daily, Florida (6 May 2021). "Marco Rubio, Patrick Leahy Urge State Department to Do More to Promote Democracy in Mongolia | Florida Daily". Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  32. ^ Mongolia, President of (22 April 2021). "Mongolian President Takes Emergency Action to Protect Sovereignty and Democracy". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release). Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  33. ^ "Meeting with President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga". President of Russia. 7 September 2017.
  34. ^ "Mongolia's Shrinking Foreign Policy Space | The Asan Forum". 22 August 2017.
  35. ^ "HEAD OF STATE CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT DONALD J.TRUMP ON SINGAPORE SUMMIT". 13 June 2018.
  36. ^ "PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES THE DPRK CHAIRMAN KIM JONG UN ON THE SINGAPORE SUMMIT". 13 June 2018.
  37. ^ "US-North Korea talks have many obstacles to overcome – starting with where to meetwebsite=South China Morning Post". 10 April 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  38. ^ "Mongolian President invites Kim Jong Un to Ulaanbaatar | NK News". NK News - North Korea News. 15 October 2018.
  39. ^ "Mongolia president appeals to U.S. for trade to protect democracy". Reuters. 13 March 2018 – via mobile.reuters.com.
  40. ^ https://www.euronews.com/2018/03/13/mongolia-president-appeals-to-us-for-trade-to-protect-democracy [dead link‍]
  41. ^ "Mongolia opens embassy in Kyrgyzstan - Xinhua | English.news.cn". xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2019.
  42. ^ "PRESIDENT BATTULGA WORKING IN BUDAPEST". 29 August 2017.
  43. ^ "PRESIDENT BATTULGA ARRIVES IN VLADIVOSTOK FOR EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM". 4 September 2017.
  44. ^ "PRESIDENT DEPARTS FOR SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION SUMMIT". 9 June 2018.
  45. ^ "PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA TO ATTEND THE 4TH EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM". 10 September 2018.
  46. ^ "PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA BEGINS HIS WORKING VISIT TO AZERBAIJAN". 24 September 2018.
  47. ^ "PRESIDENT TO ATTEND THE 12TH ASEM SUMMIT AND THE WORLD INVESTMENT FORUM". 16 October 2018.
  48. ^ "PRESIDENT TO PAY STATE VISIT TO CHINA, ATTEND THE BELT AND ROAD FORUM". 23 April 2019.
  49. ^ "PRESIDENT BATTULGA GREETED BY HIS KYRGYZ COUNTERPART". 12 June 2019.
  50. ^ "President Donald J. Trump is Expanding Our Partnership with Mongolia". whitehouse.gov – via National Archives.
  51. ^ "Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga visits Taj Mahal". in.news.yahoo.com.
  52. ^ "PRESIDENT DEPARTS FOR SWITZERLAND TO ATTEND THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM". 19 January 2020.
  53. ^ "PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA VISITING THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY". 27 January 2020.
  54. ^ "China Focus: Xi says China, Mongolia help each other in face of difficulties - Xinhua | English.news.cn". Archived from the original on 29 February 2020.
  55. ^ "Новый президент Монголии женат на русской". EG.RU.
  56. ^ Новый президент Монголии — миллиардер, дзюдоист, художник, с русской женой: EADaily. EADaily (in Russian). 10 July 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  57. ^ Интересное о Монголии - Страница 606 (in Russian). www.zabvo.su. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  58. ^ Кто такой кандидат в президенты Монголии Халтмаагийн Баттулга (in Russian). Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  59. ^ Twitter https://twitter.com/mongoliaweekly/status/1277757810781106178. Retrieved 5 July 2020. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  60. ^ a b "New president of Mongolia to live in walking distance from his office, unofficial sources say". MONTSAME News Agency. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  61. ^ "Mongolian President to live in 'Winter Palace' - News.MN". News.MN - The source of news. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  62. ^ Genghis Khan Rules Mongolia Again, in a P.R. Campaign, New York Times, 2 August 2009
  63. ^ Mongolian Judo: From Tradition to Modernity Archived 3 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine, 10 August 2013
  64. ^ Locked Countries Conference, Ministry of Roads and Transportation of Mongolia[permanent dead link‍], June 2014
  65. ^ Mongolian Mining Corporation, Announcement On The Government Of Mongolia’s Decision On Unified Railway Network Development Archived 21 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine, 4 November 2012
[edit]

Media related to Khaltmaagiin Battulga at Wikimedia Commons

Political offices
Preceded by President of Mongolia
2017–2021 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Khaltmaagiin_Battulga&oldid=1263081037"