By Kang Seung-woo
Korean citizens praised French President Francois Hollande, Thursday, for his leadership in response to a deadly shooting attack on a satirical newspaper that killed 12 people.
As soon as the assault on the weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo took place, he rushed to the scene, while high-ranking government officials held an emergency meeting.
"The site of a terrorist attack is very dangerous itself, but it is very significant that a head of state himself visited there a few hours later," said Kim Sung-pil, 47, a company employee.
"When such an incident occurs, he people depend on the president. In this regard, Hollande did a great job."
Kim added that the response would motivate people to unite in the future.
Park Hyun-wook, 36, said, "A quick response is the most important thing when an incident happens. In addition, follow-up measures need to satisfy the people."
"In such a situation, however, it is not easy to handle government organizations in a concerted way. But with the president taking command, the government can deal with it more effectively."
Bae Jong-chan, the chief director at political pollster Research and Research, said that Hollande’s crisis management leadership was on full display in coping with the worst attack on French soil in decades.
“As the U.S. government did in response to the Sony hack, Hollande followed suit,“ he said.
In addition, the French President showed a leadership that keeps his political rival in check.
The recent emergence of former President Nicolas Sarkozy has been a threat to Hollande, but the government’s swift response may help the latter offset criticism.
Bae added that the Korean government should learn a lesson from his leadership in a national emergency.
“In preparation for North Korea provocations of South Korea, our government needs to brace for any sort of terrorist attack,“ he said.
In a televised address to the nation, Hollande said, "Unity is our best weapon.“
“Nothing can divide us, nothing should separate us. Freedom will always be stronger than barbarity,“ continued the President, who also ordered flags flown at half-mast for the next three days.“
He also declared Thursday, Jan. 8, as a nationwide day of mourning.