Hun Sen

Hun Sen, born Hun Bunal on August 5, 1952, is a prominent Cambodian politician and former military officer who has played a pivotal role in the country's political landscape. He is currently the president of the Senate and has a long history of leadership, having served as the prime minister of Cambodia in various capacities from 1985 to 2023. His tenure makes him the longest-serving head of government in Cambodia's history.

Hun Sen's political journey began when he joined the Khmer Rouge as a soldier in 1970. He rose through the ranks during the Cambodian Civil War, eventually becoming a battalion commander. After defecting in 1977, he fought alongside Vietnamese forces during the Cambodian–Vietnamese War. His political career took off when he became Cambodia's foreign minister at the young age of twenty-six, a position he held in the government installed by Vietnam from 1979 to 1986 and again from 1987 to 1990.

In January 1985, Hun Sen ascended to the premiership following the death of Chan Sy. His leadership faced challenges, including a hung parliament after the 1993 UN-backed elections, which led to a power-sharing agreement with opposition leader Norodom Ranariddh. However, tensions escalated, culminating in a coup d'état in 1997 that resulted in Ranariddh's ousting. Over the years, Hun Sen has led the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) to multiple election victories, overseeing significant economic growth while also facing criticism for corruption and human rights violations.

Despite a reduced majority in the 2013 elections amid allegations of voter fraud, Hun Sen maintained his grip on power, winning a sixth term in 2018 after the dissolution of the main opposition party. He navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to influence regional politics as Cambodia held the chairmanship of ASEAN. In 2023, he announced his resignation as prime minister in favor of his son, Hun Manet, while remaining the party leader and taking on the role of Senate president in 2024.

Hun Sen's political ideology has evolved over the years, reflecting a blend of communist, Marxist–Leninist, and national conservative principles. He is often described as a shrewd political operator, known for his ability to eliminate rivals and consolidate power, which has led to accusations of dictatorial governance and significant personal wealth.