On January 7, during the 46th Anniversary of January 7 Victory Day, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and the Cambodian People’s Party, lauded the outstanding performance of the seventh-mandate Royal Government, led by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, over the past 16 months.
Hun Sen emphasized that the new leadership has exceeded expectations with results demonstrating increased effectiveness compared to previous generations. He attributed this success to the new leadership’s energy, resources, and strong determination to lead Cambodia forward.
The Senate President praised the seventh-term Royal Government for its unwavering sense of responsibility and commitment to its mission, highlighting efforts to accelerate socio-economic growth, implement broader reforms, and drive national development. These efforts align with Cambodia’s long-term goals of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
Hun Sen affirmed that the decision by the King and the Cambodian People’s Party to transition leadership to younger leaders was a strategic move to ensure national sustainability, peace, and long-term development. He emphasized that the spirit of the January 7 victory, which marked the fall of the genocidal regime, continues to inspire solidarity, determination, and hope for Cambodia’s stability and progress.
Reflecting on his resignation as Prime Minister on August 22, 2023, Hun Sen acknowledged initial concerns about leadership transition. However, he expressed confidence that the capable and energetic leadership of the new generation has addressed those concerns, ensuring continued national progress.
“The achievements of the successors over the past 16 months clearly demonstrate that the Royal Government under their leadership has performed beyond expectations,” he stated.
Hun Sen, who served as Prime Minister since 1985, noted that the younger generation has demonstrated faster and more effective governance compared to previous administrations. He clarified that this observation was not a critique of continuity but a reflection of the natural differences in pace between older and younger leadership.
He further encouraged a shift in perspective regarding leadership dynamics, suggesting the phrase “young people are strong, know the way, and old people have experience.” He argued that historical events, such as the March 18, 1970 coup, illustrate how older leaders have sometimes misguided younger generations.
The seventh-mandate Royal Government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet since August 22, 2023, has implemented strategic and comprehensive policies with a clear long-term vision. Within just 16 months, the government has made significant progress in maintaining peace, political stability, and national development, reaffirming its dedication to serving Cambodia and its people.
