Hun Manet Endorsed as Next Premier in Cambodia’s Power Transition

Cambodia’s long-term ruler, Hun Sen, has endorsed his eldest son, Hun Manet, as the country’s next premier, confirming the transition of power. The announcement came after the king issued a decree stating that Hun Manet will succeed his father, who has ruled for 38 years. Hun Sen had announced his intention to step down just days after the 23 July election, which was criticized for not being democratic. His party won all but five seats in parliament, as the main opposition was barred from the vote. Hun Manet’s appointment still needs to be confirmed by parliament, but it is expected to pass easily as the ruling party controls the majority of seats. The transition follows a dynastic succession plan that had been anticipated for several years. Hun Manet, who until recently served as the commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, has long been groomed for the leadership role. His new cabinet is expected to include younger faces, as many of the older generation who rose to power with Hun Sen have stepped down, passing their positions to their own children. The transition was first mentioned in 2021, but the timing was unclear until July. Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, stated that he was resigning to ensure stability in Cambodia. However, he will retain leadership of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, which political analysts say still gives him ultimate control. Hun Sen’s rule has become increasingly authoritarian over the years, with opponents being jailed or exiled. The recent election, which saw the ruling party’s landslide victory, was criticized by the US, EU, and other Western nations for not being free or fair. Despite speculation that Hun Manet, who has received education in the US and the UK, may lead a less repressive regime and be more open to Western calls for human rights, analysts say there is no evidence to support this. Hun Sen has also made it clear that he will continue to wield significant influence over the country’s affairs for at least another 10 years. In a telegram post, he stated, “It is not the end yet. I will continue serving in other positions for at least until 2033.”

Despite speculation, what evidence is there to suggest that Hun Manet may lead a less oppressive regime and be receptive to Western calls for human rights

Cambodia’s long-time ruler, Hun Sen, has officially endorsed his eldest son, Hun Manet, as the country’s next premier, solidifying the transition of power. The announcement followed a decree from the king, affirming that Hun Manet would succeed his father, who has held the reins of power for an impressive 38 years. Hun Sen had initially declared his intention to step down shortly after the controversial 23 July election, which faced criticisms of lacking democratic principles. The ruling party secured all but five seats in parliament, as the main opposition was prevented from participating in the vote.

Parliament still needs to confirm Hun Manet’s appointment, but it is widely expected to pass easily given the ruling party’s majority control. This transition follows a long-expected dynastic succession plan, with Hun Manet, formerly the commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, having been groomed for the leadership role over the years. As the older generation of politicians, who rose to power alongside Hun Sen, step down, there is an anticipation for younger faces to join Hun Manet’s new cabinet.

Although the transition was initially mentioned back in 2021, the timing remained uncertain until July. Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, stated that his resignation was aimed at ensuring stability within Cambodia. However, he will retain leadership of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, granting him continued ultimate control, according to political analysts.

Under Hun Sen’s rule, Cambodia has seen an increasing level of authoritarianism, with dissidents being imprisoned or forced into exile. The recent election, which resulted in a resounding victory for the ruling party, faced criticism from the United States, European Union, and other Western nations for its lack of freedom and fairness. Despite speculation that Hun Manet, who received his education in the United States and the United Kingdom, may lead a less oppressive regime and be more receptive to Western calls for human rights, analysts caution that there is no evidence to support this notion.

Hun Sen himself has made it clear that he intends to maintain significant influence over the country’s affairs for at least another decade. In a telegram post, he stated, “It is not the end yet. I will continue serving in other positions until at least 2033.”