Prime Minister-nominee Likely to Be Approved

Conservative Grand National Party floor leader Ahn Sang-soo and liberal United Democratic Party floor leader Kim Hyo-seok negotiated over the nomination of Prime Minister-nominee Han Seung-soo on Thursday and agreed to put the matter to a vote at the National Assembly’s plenary session on Friday.

The UDP had planned to decide its official stance in regard to the vote at its general meeting on Friday, but reportedly changed its stance to leave it to decisions of its lawmakers, as three controversial candidates had already resigned. If that is the case, the appointment bill is likely to pass the Assembly.

However, the UDP demanded an additional resignation of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Minister-nominee Kim Soung-yee, who has been questioned for allegations of plagiarism and embezzlement. In response, the GNP floor leader refuted the claim, saying, “The UDP is hampering the formation of the Cabinet to win the general elections.”

The two floor leaders agreed to adopt the progress report on the confirmation hearings on the minister candidates on Friday during the plenary session, but they failed to reach an agreement on the issue of the health and welfare minister-nominee.

The UDP claims that it would not adopt the report if the GNP does not disqualify Kim. However, the GNP has already qualified all minister candidates, so the report could possibly be rejected.

If the National Assembly adopts the report, the president can choose cabinet members regardless of the Assembly. Otherwise, he should request for a confirmation hearing to appoint Kim as the welfare minister after March 11.

Meanwhile, the presidential office plans to create an improved screening system in the wake of a series of resignations and build a database of personnel files.

An insider said, “We feel sorry to have caused concerns to the people. As the pool of qualified candidates was small and the limited number of people had to screen one by one, there were some issues remained unchecked. We will seek ways to upgrade the screening system.”