Cambodia's Hun Sen to resign after four decades and appoint son as PM

Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen recently announced his decision to step down and appoint his eldest son, Hun Manet, as the new prime minister. Despite leaving the prime ministerial position, Hun Sen will continue to hold leadership roles as the head of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and as a member of the National Assembly.

Hun Manet, currently the deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces, will assume the role of the new prime minister on August 22,2023.

Hun Sen’s Announcement at the CPP’s Electoral Victory

Hun Sen made his announcement following the resounding victory of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), which secured 120 out of 125 parliamentary seats in the general election.

In his announcement, Hun Sen expressed his intention to step down to create an opportunity for a younger generation of leaders to take the command. Hun Sen had been serving as the prime minister of Cambodia since 1985.

Hun Sen’s Political Journey in Cambodia

Hun Sen received his education at a Buddhist monastery in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. During the late 1960s, he became a member of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, and in 1970, he joined the Khmer Rouge, a name given to members of the Communist Party of Kampuchea. He later took on the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs after installation of a new government by the Vietnamese in 1979.

Hun Sen’s Legacy in Cambodia

Hun Sen’s 38-year tenure in power is recognized for achieving peace and elevating Cambodia to a middle-income status, enhancing healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Throughout his rule, he has persistently strived to foster national reconciliation.

Furthermore, he has not faced any accusations of corruption within his ranks, despite claims made over the years by opposition politicians, rights groups, and environmental activists.