Roh Resignation Rumors Still Swirling

Some ruling party members have claimed that President Roh might consider resigning after his recent remarks on his remaining term of office created a stir in political circles. Cheong Wa Dae denied the possibility of Roh’s resignation, however.

Some observers say the ambiguity toward the issue on Roh’s possible resignation could be a political tactic for the government and the ruling Uri Party to overcome the current difficulties they face.

Uri Party lawmaker Lee Hwa-young, also a member of “the research group for political development,” a pro-Roh group, said in a telephone interview with this newspaper and other televised interviews on November 29, “I heard the president talk about stepping down with close advisers. It is a serious situation different from previous situations when the president talked about his remaining term.” When he was asked, “Do you think it is possible he will actually step down?” he answered, “Yes.”

However, Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Yoon Tae-young said at a regular press briefing held on the same day, “There is no possibility of the president resigning. Yesterday, when President Roh made an opening remark at a cabinet meeting, he said something that can be taken to mean he doesn’t want to be the first president to fail to serve a full term. But the word “resignation” was not included in his statement.”

President Roh had a luncheon meeting on comprehensive development plans for the southwestern provinces of the country held in a culture and art center in Muan-gun, South Jeolla Province. During the luncheon, his attitude was different from the day before when he mentioned his term in office, saying, “Some people might say my term in office is coming to an end. But it is not. The government’s willingness remains firm.”

Meanwhile, some ruling party members seem to be leveraging his remarks as a political tactic in that some argued that President Roh’s resignation will deal a hard blow to the political field.

Four-term lawmaker of the Uri Party Chang Young-dal said in a telephone interview with this newspaper, “President Roh’s resignation may deal a hard blow to the GNP.” Another lawmaker said, “The GNP may suffer internal troubles stemming from selecting a presidential candidate earlier than they scheduled if President Roh actually decides to step down.”

Meanwhile, President Roh asked presidential advisers before the cabinet meeting on November 28, “Do you think I should quit the Uri Party?” Advisers replied it would be a good idea he leaves the party after closing the regular session of the National Assembly.

yongari@donga.com jyw11@donga.com