Park opposes constitutional amendment

By Kang Seung-woo

President Park Geun-hye expressed clear opposition Monday to the idea of a constitutional amendment for power-sharing between her office and that of the Prime Minister’s. This has emerged as a major issue in political circles, with President Park citing a possible degradation of state capability.

“As we now need to focus on revitalizing the sluggish local economy and improving people's livelihood, the National Assembly cannot turn its attention to the constitutional amendment and other issues,” Park said.

"It may trigger another economic black hole,” she added.

It is the second time for Park to oppose the constitutional amendment this year following her New Year press conference in January.

"2014 is running out and I urge the National Assembly to prioritize reviving the economy and resolving difficulties of the people in state affairs," Park said.

Public sentiment is also opposed to the immediate revision of the Constitution, a public survey showed Monday.

According to the local pollster Realmeter, more than 38 percent of adults surveyed on Thursday said a constitutional debate should begin no earlier than next year, compared with those who said the debate should begin this year accounting for 31.9 percent.

The survey, conducted on 500 adults nationwide, had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.