Park Opposes the Ruling Party’s Returning to Power

Park Geun-hye, a key GNP presidential contender, showed her differing opinion over the feasibility of a canal project that her rival, Lee Myeong-bak, is promoting as a major presidential campaign issue. Park stated, “If there is any suspicion of manipulation regarding the waterway project, it should be cleared up. On the other hand, I think the project could have a critical drawback in its cost-benefit effect and possibly grave consequences on the environment. Those issues drew close attention in the policy debates held in Gwangju in Jellonam-do and will likely remain a contentious issue for a while.”

A recent survey indicates that the popularity gap between the two GNP presidential candidates is narrowing but that the total approval rating of them is also dwindling. Regarding this argument, Park pointed out, “The policy debates could serve as a useful tool for people to assess each candidate’s characteristics such as competitiveness, philosophy, integrity, etc. Through such forums, people have more interest in the GNP candidates, and in turn, our party will be able to equip itself with better prepared candidates, which I believe increases the chances for the party to further advance.”

When asked about what she thinks of former Mayor Lee’s advantage, she answered, “He is ambitious and energetic.” Park offered her opinion about recent remarks by President Roh that the GNP’s ruling would be “terrible.” She said, “How strange of him, as one who used to suggest the formation of a coalition, to say such words. I guess the current administration must have done a lot of wrongdoings. I personally think he really mentioned that it would be terrible if ruling by the GNP would reveal their disgrace.”

Regarding her property policies, Park said, “The comprehensive property tax could be revised if there are flaws. As for transfer income taxes, those having one household without any speculative purpose should be protected.” She also revealed her North Korean policies, saying that, “Political calculations cannot win their hearts and draw real changes. During a 2002 visit to the North, I talked with Chairman Kim Jong Il, promises were made over several issues, and I later saw the North make efforts to keep them. I believe we can make progress with the inter-Korea relationship only after building mutual trust.”

She argued for her tax cut policy as a campaign pledge, “Providing a tax cut can attract investment, boost consumption, and create jobs. This would benefit both small and medium-sized companies as well as ordinary citizens. At first, it may bring about a reduction in tax revenues, but the effects of lifting the economy should also be taken into consideration.” She recently said in a lecture, “I sometimes hear I am better without makeup. Politicians should stand before the people without any shame in mind.”

sunshade@donga.com