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Jigme TinleyPrime Minister of Bhutan
Country:
 Butane |
Content:
- Tshering Tobgay: Bhutan's First Elected Prime Minister
- Public Service Career
- Premier-Ministerships before Democracy
- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Other Roles
- Democratic Elections and Prime Ministership
- Leadership and Economic Philosophy
Tshering Tobgay: Bhutan's First Elected Prime Minister
Early Life and EducationTshering Tobgay was born in 1952 in Bumthang, Bhutan. His educational journey took him abroad, starting with his time at St. Stephen's College in Kalimpong, India. He pursued his Master's degree in Public Administration at Penn State University in the United States. Additionally, he holds a certificate in Manpower Planning and Management from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Public Service Career
Tobgay's public service career began in 1974. He held various positions, including Administrator of the Eastern Zone in 1990 and Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1992. In 1994, he became the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and subsequently Bhutan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.
Premier-Ministerships before Democracy
Before Bhutan adopted democracy, Tobgay served as the country's Premier-Minister twice, from July 20, 1998, to July 9, 1999, and again from August 30, 2003, to August 20, 2004. During this period, the premiership was based on annual rotation, with appointments determined by the number of votes received in council elections.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Other Roles
In addition to his premiership, Tobgay also served as Bhutan's Foreign Minister from 1998 to 2003. He later became the Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs.
Democratic Elections and Prime Ministership
In March 2008, Bhutan held its first democratic elections. Tobgay led the Druk Phuensum Chogpa party, which won 45 of the 47 seats in the National Assembly. This victory made him Bhutan's first elected Prime Minister, a position he assumed on April 9, 2008.
Leadership and Economic Philosophy
Upon his election, Tobgay criticized the country's previous policies that prioritized short-term economic gains at the expense of Bhutan's long-term well-being. He believed that the 2008-2009 economic crisis was a result of "unsustainable human greed." In his speeches, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of long-term planning and preserving Bhutan's tradition of Gross National Happiness.
