Former Prime Minister Jeong Hong-won, who served as the first Prime Minister under the Park Geun-hye administration, sent a public inquiry to President Moon Jae-in. Photo by YouTube channel 'NewstownTV' screen capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Jeong Hong-won, former Prime Minister under the Park Geun-hye administration, criticized President Moon Jae-in, saying, "In his inaugural speech, he gave many people enticing words that raised expectations, but they all turned out to be empty promises."
On the 3rd, Jeong, through a video titled "Asking Moon Jae-in - An Open Inquiry from the Prime Minister to the President" released on the YouTube channel 'NewstownTV,' stated, "As someone who once managed state affairs, I have witnessed an unbearable reality and, with a heavy heart, I send this open inquiry to the highest person responsible for state affairs, the President."
On that day, Jeong publicly questioned issues including △false inaugural speech △constitutional destruction △election interference △economic collapse △compensation for nuclear power plant suspension △moral incompetence △neglect of North Korean human rights △political retaliation.
He referred to President Moon’s inaugural speech, which included statements such as "I will serve even those who did not support me as citizens" and "I will divide the president’s imperial power and completely separate power institutions from politics."
He continued, "In reality, acts such as revenge akin to people's trials under the pretext of clearing deep-rooted evils, and dictatorial behaviors like election system reforms in collusion with minor parties are taking place," adding, "Is the reason for spewing lies without batting an eye the immorality of 'even if rotten, it’s my side'? Or is it because they look down on and mock the people?"
Jeong previously criticized President Moon’s remark at the New Year press conference on the 14th of last month, where he said, "I owe a debt of gratitude to former Minister Cho."
He said, "Even after former Minister Cho resigned, the President expressed regret and at the New Year press conference said he owed a debt of gratitude, seemingly trying to influence the upcoming trial," questioning, "I don’t know what debt the President owes, but why should the nation and its people pay the President’s personal debt?"
He emphasized, "If anti-liberal democratic and anti-constitutional ideologies are his conviction, then he is unqualified as the President of the Republic of Korea and should naturally step down from the position," and urged, "Please clarify whether you have the willingness to resign voluntarily."
Jeong also demanded, "Regarding interference in the Ulsan mayoral election, clarify whether it was according to the President’s intention or planned by someone around him," and criticized, "What is this about the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO)? Establishing the CIO, an extra-constitutional body, by law over the constitutionally established prosecution is an act that only anti-constitutional forces could conceive."
He further criticized, "Ignoring fiscal soundness caused by national debt, the government is recklessly expanding the budget and indulging in widespread welfare handouts, consuming the national budget as if it were personal money," warning, "The national economy is heading toward collapse."
Finally, Jeong urged, "I call for President Moon’s sincere answers, and if there are no satisfactory responses or if current behaviors continue, I am confident that a strong popular resistance from the majority of citizens will result in a stern judgment through the April 15 general election," adding, "I will do everything possible to ensure a definite judgment is made."
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