Outgoing Prime Minister Hun Sen, as president of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), will meet with old and new government members on August 10 at the party’s headquarters, known as the “January 7 Palace”, in Phnom Penh.
CPP spokesman Sok Eysan said on August 8 that the meeting is aimed at sharing his experience with the newer, younger government representatives. He explained that the meeting is scheduled for during the transition period of one legislature to another.
“The meeting will provide an opportunity for the new Cabinet members to understand some of the work that must be done in the future,” he said.
“The August 10 date was selected by [Hun Sen]. The meeting will provide invaluable experience for the new generation. As for the older people, they are retiring in order to allow the young bloods to take office,” he added.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the meeting between the party president, leaders and colleagues of the CPP – the party which secured the most seats in the 2023 general election and would lead the seventh-mandate government – would be a great chance to share the experience of the previous generation.
“It will offer an opportunity to discuss the future work that must be done for the national interest,” he said.
Peou noted that the new government, which will be sworn in on August 22, would see a transfer of the older – or previous generation – of leaders from their positions in the 6th mandate to the next generation.
“The August 10 meeting will serve as an important orientation for the new members. It will be a chance for the party head – and all of the other experienced leaders – to share what they have learned in the more than 40 years of [Hun Sen’s] struggles on behalf of the Kingdom,” he explained.
The new government mandate will see an almost total transfer of senior roles, who will serve under Prime Minister-in-waiting Hun Manet.
Hun Sen deemed the follow-up to the July 23 election as the ideal time to affect the historical changes, as the CPP’s sweeping victory provided a clear public mandate for the party to continue to ensure social stability and long-term development.