Cambodia’s Monarch appoints Hun Manet as future Prime Minister: a generational change in leadership

The king of Cambodia has declared Hun Manet, the eldest son of the longstanding leader Hun Sen, as the future prime minister.

He is slated to assume his role later this month.

Hun Sen, the present Prime Minister, shared a royal edict from King Norodom Sihamoni on Monday, marking the much-anticipated leadership shift – the first since 1985.

The ruling Cambodian People’s Party, which bagged 96% of the vote in a recent election (largely viewed as illegitimate after significant opposition was excluded), proposed this transition.

Effective August 7, the royal edict positions Manet as the “Prime Minister for the 7th legislature of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia.”

Now, Manet must finalize the government structure, subject to approval by the National Assembly – the country’s parliament.

The parliament is scheduled to vote on August 22 to cement the transition.

Hun Sen, who recently turned 71, seems to have expedited the transition to his eldest son following the highly criticized election.

The election certification was issued considerably faster than previous ones.

Via his Telegram account on Monday, Hun Sen announced his intention to remain as Prime Minister for another 15 days, stepping down on August 22.

He underscored his unique political journey – from the youngest Prime Minister at 32 when he took office in 1985, to becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister.

Hun Sen had earlier declared his intention to stay in politics, leading the CPP, and later take over as the Senate president after the forthcoming early-year election.

He also plans to join the supreme privy council to the king, intending to serve in various capacities till 2033.

Manet, 45, has been systematically prepared for this leadership role.

He has climbed the military ranks to become the army commander, was promoted to a four-star general this year, and currently serves as a legislator in the capital, Phnom Penh.

This well-orchestrated transition symbolizes a broader generational shift within the CPP. Children of top officials, including the sons of the Interior and Defense Ministers, will succeed their parents’ posts.

Last week, Hun Sen expressed his decision to retire, citing a “stable and secure” environment and the next generation’s readiness and competence.

Despite his retirement, he plans to continue managing the interests within the ruling elite connected to his family, which dominates the country.

Hun Sen assured non-interference in the new government’s decisions, yet threatened a return to power if Manet’s life were threatened, hinting at potential rivals within the power structure.

He pledged not to “allow the nation to descend into chaos,” as reported by local media.