President Moon Jae-in Anticipated Separation of Powers Controversy... Jeong Sye-gyun: "We Will Build a Successful Government"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the afternoon of the 14th, President Moon Jae-in presented the letter of appointment to newly appointed Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun at the Blue House, saying, "It is urgent above all to restore politics that engages in dialogue, compromise, and communication again in our politics. Our Prime Minister is the most suitable person to lead politics that cooperates and compromises by communicating with the National Assembly and the opposition parties, as he is a six-term member of the National Assembly and has also served as the Speaker of the National Assembly."
President Moon said, "In fact, both I and the Prime Minister gave much thought when he was nominated. Since he served as the Speaker of the National Assembly, we expected political attacks claiming that it would infringe on or ignore the separation of powers."
President Moon explained, "The reason I invited the Prime Minister as a candidate is that there is no one more suitable than him in our current political situation, and I believe the values I want to achieve through him are far more important than controversies over the separation of powers."
President Moon emphasized, "The current state of our politics is very severe and truly disappointing to the people. Politics should play a centripetal role that unites and consolidates the people, and the National Assembly should show politics that, despite disputes, engages in dialogue and compromise."
President Moon said, "Even the President cannot be free from such issues, and since I also have shortcomings, I have great expectations for the Prime Minister's role. As everyone knows, the Prime Minister is the person who has received the most 'Baekbong Gentleman Awards' in the National Assembly, and his gentle and gentlemanly demeanor is recognized by both ruling and opposition parties."
President Moon added, "Also, having served as Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy with a background in the real economy, he has great insight and experience in economics. I ask the Prime Minister to communicate more with businesspeople and support our economy from the sidelines, and to lead the entire cabinet well."
Prime Minister Chung said, "The confirmation hearing is a very difficult process. When the hearing system first started, I went through the hearing for the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and it was like the Paleolithic era compared to now, which is the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We took a test for two days, and with much help from the Civil Affairs Office and the Office for Government Policy Coordination, I was able to pass without major difficulties, which is a relief."
Prime Minister Chung said, "Although I am still lacking in many ways, I hope to contribute to successfully leading the second half of the Moon Jae-in administration by making good use of my experience and know-how. I am confident that if the cabinet ministers and many public officials work together, we can undoubtedly create a successful government."
Prime Minister Chung said, "I closely watched the President's press briefing this morning. I thought I could receive a lot of help from the President as well. I will do my best and work hard."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Chung is a six-term lawmaker who served as the chairman of the Uri Party, the leader of the Democratic Party, and the Speaker of the 20th National Assembly's first half. He was elected as a Democratic Party candidate in the conservative stronghold of Seoul Jongno in the 19th general election in 2012 and the 20th general election in 2016.
Prime Minister Chung passed the confirmation vote at the plenary session of the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 13th. In the secret ballot, out of 278 members present, 164 voted in favor, 109 against, 1 abstained, and 4 votes were invalid, resulting in approval. The Prime Minister's term began at midnight on the same day. Earlier, President Moon had approved the appointment around noon that day.
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