Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen revealed his decision to step down and pass the reins to his son next month after a nearly four-decade-long reign. During his rule, he brought stability to the nation after years of war, but his approach to governance curtailed democratic processes.
Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, made this announcement shortly after his party, the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), secured a dominant victory in the general election. Notably, the election excluded any significant opposition candidates, resulting in CPP winning 120 out of 125 parliamentary seats.
On August 10, Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, is expected to receive royal approval as the next prime minister, and he will officially be sworn in on August 22. The outgoing prime minister emphasized the importance of allowing a younger generation of leaders to take charge.
Despite stepping down from the prime ministerial position, Hun Sen will continue to play an active role in politics. He will retain his leadership of the ruling party and maintain his position as a member of the National Assembly. Moreover, he asserted his willingness to return to the prime minister’s role if his son’s performance necessitates it.
