PhnomPenhPost-July 26, 2023
Prime Minister Hun Sen’s son Hun Manet is slated to ascend to Cambodia’s top office on August 22, signifying the end of the former’s extensive tenure which has been a defining feature of Cambodian politics for decades. Hun Sen confirmed in a historic announcement three days after the July 23 general election that he will not be continuing in his position for the next governmental term and will instead hand over power to Manet. This unexpected revelation came in his special live broadcast to the nation, following a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni and amid increasing speculation about when Manet would assume the role. The outgoing leader explained his decision to step down earlier than anticipated by expressing his concern for national stability. “If I continue to be prime minister for another one or two years and then resign, there could be some insecurity for a while. Therefore, it is essential that the new Cabinet, comprising mostly the younger generation, receive their duties early,” he added. Manet, who has already been endorsed by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) as a future prime ministerial candidate, topped the list of lawmakers for the Phnom Penh constituency in the July 23 general election. “My son is not inheriting this role without a legitimate process. He has participated in the election as a lawmaker candidate, a critical step in our democratic system,” Hun Sen stressed. Hun Sen, who has calculated his time in power to total 14,099 days, ended his address by seeking the support of the Cambodian people for the future leadership. “I humbly request support from the Cambodian people for Hun Manet, who will be the new prime minister. And I seek support for myself, as the president of the party and president of the Senate, who will act as the acting head of state in the absence of the King,” he pleaded. Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/end-era-hun-sen-passes-baton-son-manet
