Ha Tae-kyung: "The Opposition's Strategic Use of Prime Minister Approval Is a Mistake"

"Han Deok-su Rejection and Jeong Ho-young's Rash Appointment? Absolute Majority of the Party Opposes"

Ha Tae-kyung, member of the People Power Party

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Woo-seok] On the 19th, Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for trying to link the approval of Prime Minister nominee Han Deok-soo with the appointments of other ministerial candidates, calling it a mistake.

Ha appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpan Seungbu' that day and said, "(The Democratic Party) continues to view the Han Deok-soo issue politically, uses tricks for their own political interests, and attempts compromises on issues that should not be compromised. This does not seem to be in the interest of governance or the nation," he criticized.

Regarding the opposition's criticism of Justice Minister nominee Han Dong-hoon, he also pointed out, "It's the same with Han Dong-hoon. They should conduct the hearings properly, but (the Democratic Party) does not provide grounds or reasons to say he should not be appointed," adding, "They are just getting angry among themselves."

Ha continued, "What we need to be careful about is that there is currently Welfare Minister nominee Jeong Ho-young, and if (the Democratic Party) rejects Han Deok-soo and appoints Jeong Ho-young out of anger, I think that is wrong," stating, "Those who should not be approved must be rejected, and those who should be approved must be pushed through."

He said, "The Democratic Party's poor handling of the hearings made Jeong Ho-young appear to be a person without major issues. So there is somewhat a sentiment that maybe such a person should be appointed," but added, "My position and that of the overwhelming majority of our party is strong that Jeong Ho-young, especially at this election time, should not be appointed."

Regarding the presidential office's delay in making an appointment decision, he said, "I think I would do the same if I were president. There is a situation where you have to try to get your own nominees approved," but added, "Looking at the Jeong Ho-young issue, it is true that he did not avoid a conflict of interest. He used an unfair structure, but since actual wrongdoing has not been proven, the president seems somewhat confused."

He added, "In any case, the president is the highest political official, so although the phrase 'the people's standards' is very complex and difficult, I believe the judgment should be made based on that standard."