Hun Sen

Hun Sen (born Hun Nal, August 5, 1952) is a Cambodian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Cambodia for over 38 years, from 1985 to 2023. He is the longest-serving head of government of Cambodia and one of the longest-serving leaders in the world.

Hun Sen joined the Khmer Rouge in 1970 and rose through its ranks. He defected to Vietnam in 1977, after growing disillusioned with the Pol Pot regime. In 1979, following the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, he became a deputy prime minister in the Vietnamese-backed government.

He became Prime Minister in 1985 and oversaw Cambodia's transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy in the early 1990s, following the Paris Peace Accords. Despite this transition, his Cambodian People's Party (CPP) maintained a dominant role in Cambodian politics. He governed in a coalition with other parties for several years before consolidating power.

Hun Sen's rule was marked by significant economic growth and relative stability but also by accusations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and corruption. Opposition parties and media outlets faced significant restrictions and challenges during his tenure.

In August 2023, Hun Sen stepped down as Prime Minister and transferred power to his son, Hun Manet. He remains active in politics as President of the CPP and President of the Senate.