Tshering Tobgay Begins Second Term as Bhutan’s Prime Minister

Tshering Tobgay Begins Second Term as Bhutan's Prime Minister

VoM News Desk | January 28, 2024 | 11:21 PM IST | Bhutan, World | Follow on Google News

Tshering Tobgay Begins Second Term as Bhutan’s Prime Minister

Tshering Tobgay Begins Second Term as Bhutan’s Prime Minister

Bhutan’s liberal politician, Tshering Tobgay, commenced his second term as Prime Minister on Sunday following the recent elections. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck formally marked Tobgay’s appointment by handing him a symbolic scarf, as per the statement on the king’s official Facebook page. This marks Tobgay’s return to the position, making him Bhutan’s fourth freely elected Prime Minister since the establishment of democracy 15 years ago.

Leader with a Cultural Focus: Tobgay’s Background

Tshering Tobgay, 58, is a former bureaucrat and a proponent of Bhutan’s Buddhist culture. He previously served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2013 to 2018 and was also the leader of the opposition in the parliament after Bhutan’s first free vote in 2008. His political career reflects a deep connection with Bhutan’s cultural and democratic journey.

Challenges and Priorities: Economic Revamp and Job Creation

As he assumes office, Tobgay faces the formidable task of revitalizing Bhutan’s $3 billion economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key challenges is generating employment opportunities within the country to prevent the youth from seeking opportunities abroad, notably in Australia. The Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, a unique economic measure accounting for factors such as emotional well-being, guides Bhutan’s policy decisions.

Bhutan maintains strong economic and cultural ties with India, its largest donor and trade partner. While Tobgay aims to nurture this relationship, he is also focused on resolving border disputes with China. These negotiations hold significance for India, considering its own border dispute with China. Despite having no formal diplomatic relations with China, Bhutan’s interactions with Beijing are closely observed on the regional stage.

VoM News Desk

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