New PM to be Designated Next Week

President Kim Dae-jung is reported to appoint a new prime minister next week as the confirmation vote for Chang Sang was vetoed by the National Assembly.

A high-ranking official in the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said on the 1st, "It will be difficult to announce new premier designate this week since a thorough verification for a new premier is needed so that he or she can be confirmed at the National Assembly. But Cheong Wa Dae will announce a new prime minister next week at the latest." He indicated that Cheong Wa Dae will appoint a new prime minister designate as acting prime minister, saying, "Some politicians argue that the acting prime minister system is unconstitutional, but the nation`s constitutional court is expressing reservation about the issue."

In the meantime, President Kim said in a cabinet meeting that he would appoint a new prime minister after gathering opinions from the every sector of the society.

Chungwadae is reported to begin the process of selecting a new premier from a group of morally respected and politically unbiased figures. In particular, Chungwadae is looking for a female premier in order to uphold its original intention to appoint the first-ever female prime minister.

In a bid to prevent a similar incident from recurring, Chungwadae is planning to thoroughly check the qualification of premier candidates ranging from assets to careers of not only a new premier but also his or her family members.

Chol-Hi Lee klimt@donga.com