Another Clash Over Acting Prime Miniership

Chairman of Grand National Party (GNP) Suh Chong Won, in response to Blue House’s August 30th decision to appoint another Acting Premier, announced, “Acting Prime Ministership clearly runs afoul of the Constitution. If Blue House insists on this system, we have to consider strong counter-measures like impeachment of President. We have to defend our Constitution.”

He made this announcement at a press conference in GNP’s Yeouido headquarters, and added, “Some of our party members even consider refusal of holding the approval hearing itself.”

He stressed, “It is clear what was intended by Millunium Democratic Party’s Congressman Lee Hui-chan’s request for investigation of the military scandal. MDP mobilized the special unit 1 of Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office, and tried to oust our presidential candidate Lee Hui-chang. The Prosecution should wrap up the ongoing investigation before the Thanksgiving Day”

Further, Chairman Suh requested for resignation of President’s Chief of Staff Park Gee-won. The GNP thinks Park was behind all the confusion within the administration. Suh continued, “We will deal with the Dismissal Proposal against Justice Minister Kim Chong-kil pursuant to laws and principles. We are considering whether to file a criminal complaint against Minister Kim Sung-jae (Then, a presidential aide) for violation of Election Law.”

Blue House’s Public Relations Chief Aide Park Sun-sook refuted, “Acting Premiership has a long history. The GNP itself had used this traditional institution several times when it was in power. It is unconstitutional to refuse the hearing itself.”

MDP’s spokesperson Lee Nak-hyun criticized Chairman Suh’s remarks about impeachment of president and said, “It is an irresponsible, arrogant political maneuvering purely intended to evoke partisanship.”

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com