[Editorial] A Productive Prime Minister Model in the Making

Han Seung-soo, special envoy on climate change for the United Nations, is the official nominee for the first prime minister of the new government. President-elect Lee Myung-bak said, “Han is the right person to revive the economy and stage diplomatic efforts to secure energy resources worldwide, based on his experience in national affairs and global networking. Instead of assisting the president, the prime minister-nominee will hold an independent role in the Cabinet.”

The nomination reflects Lee’s desire for pragmatism in his Cabinet lineup. Korea can thus expect a creative and productive prime minister model that goes beyond the post’s former role as simply a government figurehead.

His nomination, however, has led to controversy given his career in the Special Committee for National Security Measures and his frequent quitting and rejoining of the conservative Grand National Party. But he is highly regarded for his extraordinary political experience and influence, stemming from his colorful career as a Seoul National University professor, commerce minister, ambassador to the U.S., finance minister and foreign minister. Just as he pledged to do his best to make Korea an advanced and global nation, the country hopes to see a prime minister who really does his share of work.

The prime minister position began as a complement to the presidency to add a few features of the parliamentary government system. The Constitution defines the role of prime minister as assistant to the president and supervisor of ministries. Consequently, the president’s trust in his prime minister is critical to the administration. Unfortunately, the country’s past 38 prime ministers never went beyond fulfilling certain roles entrusted by the president or reading by proxy. Therefore, President-elect Lee should guarantee Han a certain level of authority, so that he can fully use his skills.

Han should also brace himself for the position. Some say his reputation for having no enemies is what made him the prime minister-nominee. Therefore, they might doubt that his political influence can still work now that the Cabinet is facing a completely different landscape in policy.

Han must earn the trust of the people through action, not words. In the face of economic jitters due to deteriorating external conditions, he said, “I believe we will overcome the challenge to a certain extent by reducing regulations and boosting private investment.” That sounds far from enough, however. The same goes for efforts to secure energy resources. Han said he will roam all over the world just like Chinese Premier Wen Jia Bao to secure energy resources, but the reality facing Korea is different from China’s. Han must wake up to these realities and tackle the mounting challenges head on.