Prime Minister of Myanmar


The prime minister of Myanmar was the head of government of Myanmar from 1948 to 2011.

History of the office

The position of Prime Minister was created in 1948, with the adoption of the Burmese Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom. Since then, eleven people have held the office. Due to the country's long period of military rule, it has not been uncommon for the prime minister to be a serving military officer.
The actual power of the prime minister has considerably varied over time, differing based on who holds the office. In 2004, a power struggle between the then–head of state, Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, and his prime minister, General Khin Nyunt, resulted in the prime minister being dismissed and arrested.
The position was abolished on 30 March 2011, according to the current Constitution. It provided that the president is both the head of state and head of government. But after the 2015 general election, as Aung San Suu Kyi was constitutionally barred from becoming President, a position called State Counsellor, similar to Prime Minister, was established for her on 6 April 2016.

Prime ministers of Burma/Myanmar (1948–2011)

Union of Burma (1948–1974)

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Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1974–1988)

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Union of Burma/Myanmar (1988–2011)

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