Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

“Democracy literally means the power of people. Democracy is not about politics, it is about the people.”

“Freedom was the desire of our people throughout centuries. Freedom enabled our people to be owners of their destiny.”

“The first step into justice begins with the politicians. You have to demand from yourself what you demand from people.”

“Greater technological connectivity makes the world wider, and the walls of isolation - thinner.”

“No central planning, no autocratic rule and no military regime can produce what free man can do.”

“We know that dismantling old oppressive regimes is a great deal faster and easier than building new flourishing democracies. Chinggis Khaan once said, 'It was easier to conquer the world on horseback than to dismount and govern.' True validation of democracy lies less in what we tear down, and more in what we build.”

“What do you think, what people want from their governments? Simple. A better life for themselves and for their children. Government that is fair, just and responsible.”

“I do believe in the power of freedom. The power of freedom is the mightiest force of history. Once that power unleashes, it ultimately leads to peace and prosperity.”

“The constitution is a sacred document in a democracy.”

“In the Great Mongol Empire, Mongols governed by a written law called the 'Ih Zasag,' which is translated as 'the Great Order.' It was an era when the Mongols strove to establish a new world order, thus, justice, peace and cooperation in their relations with other states and peoples.”

“We should never take democracy for granted. Democracy can emerge and develop, but it can also decay.”

“Corruption is a true enemy to development.”

“I see corruption as a mortal enemy for young democracies.”

“Many still believe that conducting political and economic reforms at the same time is not an Asian way. But this is a fairy-tale. We broke that old stereotype by reforming our political, economic and social systems concurrently since 1990.”

“Real progress comes from people.”

“From my quarter-a-century experience as a fighter for democracy, there is never a final victory for democracy. It is always a struggle in every generation, and you have to take up the course of time and time again.”

“You cannot be democratic one day, and undemocratic on another. It is a state of mind, it is a way of living, and it is an essence of action.”

“I am confident that if we stand for the hope and freedom of others we will make our own freedom more secure.”

“People are not really interested in what politicians talk about, but what they are really interested in is how their hard-earned tax money is spent.”

“We can never intimidate and discourage the people who voice their words with courage. The essence of freedom rests precisely here - in the freedom of expression of the people. And we must protect it.”