Bangkok, Jul. 23, (dpa/GNA) – Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is expanding his power by assuming the role of interim president from Myint Swe due to a declared medical leave of absence, the military council of the south-east Asian nation announced late on Monday.
Myint Swe, who was vice-president in the government of the ousted former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, is “on medical leave and receiving treatment for his health condition,” the junta said.
The 73 year-old had undergone treatment in Singapore in April already and was currently no longer able to carry out his duties, according to a statement.
The office of president is mainly representative in Myanmar, but Myint Swe – who had to endorse the decrees of the junta – had given the military government a semblance of legitimacy.
The state of emergency that the generals had imposed after their coup on February 1, 2021 is set to expire at the end of July, following multiple extensions. These had been necessary due to the unstable situation in the country, the military claimed.
As a result, promised elections have been continuously postponed.
Political observers are waiting to see whether the state of emergency, which is valid for six months at a time, will be extended once again.
China is increasingly reported to be pushing for a leadership change in neighbouring Myanmar, which has descended into chaos and violence since the coup.
In various parts of the country, ethnic groups – some with ties to China – are fighting the generals with increasing success. Experts say the junta has already lost control in some areas.
The former freedom icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi is in prison, serving a long sentence due to numerous alleged offences.
GNA