Push Admin

Article (news)

20240403-Cambodia

Agence France-Presse

PHNOM PENH — Former Cambodian leader Hun Sen was promoted to senate president on Wednesday, taking over a key ceremonial role less than a year after handing power to his son.Hun Sen stepped down in August after nearly four decades of iron-fisted rule, passing the baton to his eldest son Hun Manet following a landslide win in national polls held without any significant opposition parties.In February his ruling Cambodian People&#x27;s Party (CPP) won 55 seats — including his own — out of 58 in the senate election, with the opposition Khmer Will Party taking the remainder.On Wednesday senators unanimously voted to approve Hun Sen as president of the senate after King Norodom Sihamoni convened its first meeting.The position allows Hun Sen to act as acting head of state when the king is overseas.Addressing the senators after the vote, Hun Sen thanked them for the &quot;honor&quot;.&quot;It is my first time to sit on such a high chair,&quot; he said, saying he would use the second-highest ceremonial role — only superseded by the king — to further Cambodia&#x27;s international diplomacy.There are 62 senators, with 58 elected in February by 125 MPs and more than 11,000 local administrators, mostly members of Hun Sen&#x27;s party.<div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/2/27/cambodia-hun-sen-s-dynasty-consolidates-grip-on-power-1017">Cambodia: Hun Sen&#x27;s dynasty consolidates grip on power</a></div>King Norodom Sihamoni appoints two senators, while the National Assembly appoints two others.Analysts said Hun Sen&#x27;s new role would allow him to continue to dominate the country.&quot;The senate isn&#x27;t a powerful political or legislative body, but it holds the highest ceremonial role as the highest political symbol of the nation,&quot; Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak told AFP.He said because of the king&#x27;s frequent travels, Hun Sen taking the role of senate president was significant — and hugely symbolic.&quot;In Cambodia, symbolism is everywhere and everything,&quot; he said.It is the latest in a series of moves that have seen Hun Sen consolidate power across the government.<div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/08/07/23/cambodian-king-appoints-hun-sens-son-as-new-pm">Cambodian king appoints Hun Sen&#x27;s son as new PM</a></div>The administration now includes a number of Hun Sen&#x27;s relatives, including his youngest son Hun Many as a deputy PM, with several children of his allies also holding top jobs.After coming to power in 1985, Hun Sen helped modernize a country devastated by civil war and genocide.But critics say his rule has also been marked by environmental destruction, entrenched graft and the elimination of nearly all political rivals.<div>© Agence France-Presse</div>

Analysts said Hun Sen's new role would allow him to continue to dominate Cambodia.

Analysts said Hun Sen's new role would allow him to continue to dominate Cambodia.

Cambodia's ex-leader Hun Sen becomes senate president

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

World

Cambodia's ex-leader Hun Sen becomes senate president

Agence France-Presse

Published April 03, 2024 03:40 PM PHT

Read More:

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Hun Sen

Hun Many

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.