On December 28, the Democratic Party of Korea evaluated the appointment of former People Power Party senior lawmaker Lee Hyehun as the first Minister of Planning and Budget nominee in the Lee Jaemyung administration, stating that it "reflects the president's centrist and pragmatic personnel philosophy."
Kim Hyunjung, the party's floor spokesperson, met with reporters at the National Assembly on the same day and said, "We believe she is a figure recognized for her expertise by both herself and others," adding this assessment.
Regarding the People Power Party's decision to expel the nominee, Kim stated, "This should not be seen as an act of betrayal. Rather, it should be viewed as a channel to properly restore the economy and budget, and to sufficiently reflect opinions when formulating the budget," calling the reaction "overly sensitive." She continued, "Defining this as betrayal seems to be only from the perspective of the People Power Party. I think the public will not see it that way and will actually consider it a good move."
Jo Seungrye, the party's secretary general, also criticized the People Power Party on Facebook the same day, saying, "Responding to the president's will for unity-demonstrated by appointing a former lawmaker and current regional chairperson of the main opposition party to the highly important post of Minister of Planning and Budget-with expulsion is regrettable," and added, "The People Power Party, which lacks the politics of unity for the nation and the people, is truly a disappointing party."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
