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Cambodia’s strongman Hun Sen resigns as prime minister after 38 years
- The 70-year-old Hun Sen has led Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades
- He said on Wednesday in a special broadcast on state television that he will resign and hand power to his eldest son Hun Manet
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Cambodia’s Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving prime ministers, said on Wednesday he would resign and hand power to his eldest son, after almost four decades of hardline rule.
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“I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister,” he said in a special broadcast on state television.
“[My son] Hun Manet … will become the prime minister in the coming weeks,” he said, adding that the new leader will be appointed on August 10.
The former Khmer Rouge leader has run the kingdom since 1985, eliminating all opposition to his power, with opposition parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.
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A Hun Sen dynasty? Cambodia’s longest-serving Prime Minister poised to extend 38-year rule
A Hun Sen dynasty? Cambodia’s longest-serving Prime Minister poised to extend 38-year rule
His Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) swept a general election on Sunday with no meaningful opposition, taking 82 per cent of the vote, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son that some critics have compared to North Korea.
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