Mass protests in Bangkok: citizens demand the approval of the Prime Minister from the party that won the elections.
On Sunday, July 25, in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, thousands of protests took place. Their participants called on the Senate to approve the representative of the liberal party "Progressive Movement", which won a convincing victory in the recent parliamentary elections, as prime minister.
Despite heavy rain, about 2,000 people gathered in the central Suan Lum Square. They expressed extreme indignation at the actions of senators who have already twice rejected the candidacy of the new Prime Minister, effectively plunging the country into a deep political crisis.
The fact is that after the triumphant victory in the elections in May, the "Progressive Movement" formed a broad coalition of democratic forces and nominated its leader Pete Limjaroenrat for the highest state post. But his nomination failed twice in votes in the Senate, whose majority is traditionally held by supporters of the "military" government that staged a military coup in 2014 and took power.
Senators are concerned about the reformist course of the Progressive Movement and fear a fundamental democratic transition in the country. They refuse to confirm a representative of the clearly victorious political force to the highest state office, thus prolonging the acute political crisis.
The protesters said that the senators are obliged to respect the will of Thai citizens, clearly expressed in open and fair elections. They called on all democratic forces to show principle and consolidation in the face of conservative opposition.
In this extremely tense situation, the second largest party of the ruling coalition "Phua Thai" intends next week to nominate an alternative candidate for the post of head of government. It hopes to gain the support of some senators and form a legitimate cabinet of ministers.
However, some experts believe that for the votes of senators "Phua Thai" may make unacceptable concessions to the conservative opposition. This will cause sharp dissatisfaction with the supporters of the "Progressive Movement", insisting on the consistent implementation of reforms.
Thus, the many thousands of protests in Bangkok reflect the fierce political struggle around the formation of a new Thai government. Their participants are demanding that the will of the citizens, clearly expressed in free elections, be respected by the conservative establishment. The future prospects for democracy in the country depend on how the current crisis is resolved.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
