Likely to Be His Final Cabinet Meeting
Prime Minister Expected to Resign on May 1
Chief of Staff and Other Close Aides Step Down
Preparations Underway for Presidential Campaign Team
Han Ducksoo, Acting President and Prime Minister, exercised his right to request reconsideration (veto) of the Constitutional Court Act amendment at the Cabinet Meeting on the 29th, amid growing speculation that his presidential candidacy announcement is imminent. Although Han refrained from making any statements at the Cabinet Meeting that could be interpreted politically in relation to a presidential run, most analysts believe that he is already preparing the groundwork for his candidacy, as his closest aides, including the Chief of Staff, have expressed their intention to resign.
Presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Seoul Government Complex, Han criticized the Constitutional Court Act amendment proposed by the Democratic Party of Korea last month, stating that "it would render the President's appointment authority meaningless and poses a significant risk of violating the separation of powers." He then exercised his veto over the amendment, which would limit the Acting President's authority to appoint Constitutional Court justices to only those selected by the National Assembly (three) and nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (three). This marks the eighth time Han has exercised his veto power.
The Constitution does not impose any specific restrictions on the scope of duties for the Acting President. The reason for Han's veto is that the amendment attempts to restrict the Acting President's authority by law, allowing the appointment of Constitutional Court justices only for the three selected by the National Assembly and the three nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Han also pointed out, "Article 112, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution clearly stipulates a six-year term for Constitutional Court justices, but this amendment allows justices whose terms have expired to continue performing their duties until their successors are appointed, which goes against the constitutional spirit that specifies the term of office for Constitutional Court justices."
Additionally, Han assessed last week's '2+2 Trade Consultation' in Washington, D.C.?which involved economic and trade chiefs from both South Korea and the United States?by saying, "We have resolved a significant portion of the uncertainty." Han added, "From this week, working-level consultations will begin in earnest in areas such as tariff and non-tariff measures and cooperation in the shipbuilding industry. Until the consultations are concluded in July, we must overcome numerous obstacles and, at times, face situations that require decisive action in the national interest."
With the government having submitted a supplementary budget bill worth 12.2 trillion won to the National Assembly last week, Han urged the Assembly to process it swiftly. He emphasized, "The effectiveness of the supplementary budget depends on speed," and added, "If the basic fiscal principle of using taxpayers' money most effectively and swift processing are ensured, the government will approach the Assembly's supplementary budget discussions flexibly and proactively."
While speculation about Han's presidential bid is mounting, he did not deliver any clear message at the Cabinet Meeting. However, there is growing anticipation that Han will wrap up his official schedule by April 30, resign on either May 1 or 2, and then proceed to announce his candidacy.
In fact, political circles observe that preparations for Han's campaign are already underway, as Son Youngtaek, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, resigned the previous day, and other close aides such as Kim Chulhui, Secretary for Communication and Messaging, have joined the effort. With trade negotiations with the United States having reached a preliminary conclusion and the two final candidates for the People Power Party's third primary being decided on the 29th, it is widely expected that Han will declare his candidacy without further delay.
Han must resign by May 4, the deadline for public officials to step down in order to run for president. If he does step down, it is expected that he will deliver a public message emphasizing overcoming national crises and achieving national unity, using this as the rationale for his presidential bid.
Han is expected to highlight his strengths as a trade expert with over 50 years of experience as an economic and trade official during the ongoing tariff dispute with the United States, emphasizing his determination to overcome crises and differentiate himself by showcasing his ability to ensure stable governance as Prime Minister. There are also scenarios in which he would seek to build an "anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent" not only with the People Power Party's presidential candidate, but also with Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party and former Prime Minister Lee Nakyon of the New Future Democratic Party.
Given the current situation, where it appears difficult to stop Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung's dominance, some analysts believe Han could make a bold proposal for a power-sharing constitutional amendment, including a shortened presidential term, to attract centrist voters. The Prime Minister's Office is also treating Han's candidacy as a fait accompli. An official from the Prime Minister's Office stated, "Since the deadline for public officials to resign in order to run for president is May 4, we believe Han will most likely resign in early May."
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