Ministers warned not to seek own interests

By Kang Seung-woo

President Park Geun-hye warned ministers Tuesday not to pursue their own political interests in an effort to strengthen her grip on state affairs.

“Ministers need to lead respective government bodies for the people and there should be no individual political moves,” Park said during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.

“I ask ministers to do their utmost in order to improve the national economy and the people’s livelihood.”

Bae Jong-chan, chief director at political pollster Research and Research, said, “The President’s remarks were aimed at strongly pushing for state affairs, urging ministers to focus more on their respective jobs and produce tangible results, when she reaches the midway point of her term.”

“In addition, she also appears focused on avoiding entering an early lame-duck phase.”

In the wake of a series of scandals, including a factional feud within the ruling Saenuri Party, there is speculation that Park may become a lame-duck president earlier than expected.

“By strengthening her grip on ministries, Park expects each government office to work more in order to help the President fulfill her pledges,” Bae said.

He added that such instructions were issued because of Park’s low approval rating that weakens her grip on the administration of state affairs.

According to Realmeter Monday, Park’s approval rating stands at 37.3 percent.

Her strong words came as the nation is months away from the general election, scheduled for April next year, targeting her Cabinet members, some of whom are likely to run for a parliamentary seat.

Among Cabinet members, Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Yoo Ki-june, Education Minister Hwang Yoo-yea and Gender Equality and Family Minister Kim Hee-jung are expected to run in the general election.

Cabinet members should step down 90 days ahead of the election, the deadline is Jan. 14, if they plan to run.

Amid a growing feud within the ruling party over the fate of the floor leader, the finance minister was rumored to return to the Saenuri Party in order to support those loyal to President Park against non-mainstream members, including Chairman Kim Moo-sung.

But speculation of an early Cabinet reshuffle may subside for the time being following Park’s remarks.

Although her remarks are primarily seen as typical presidential urging of Cabinet members to make better efforts to improve living standards and the nation’s economy, they can also be interpreted as Park issuing another warning against Saenuri Party floor leader Yoo Seong-min.

During the June 25 Cabinet meeting, while vetoing the now-abandoned revision bill for the National Assembly Law, Park slammed Saenuri Party floor leader Yoo Seong-min for “seeking personal glory” without first considering the needs of the nation and the people.

Despite Park’s advance disapproval of the revision bill, citing a breach of the separation of powers, the floor leader reached an agreement with the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) to revise the parliamentary law that would have empowered lawmakers to challenge government ordinances.

Since Park’s sharp criticism, Yoo has yet to show any signs of resigning from the post and some believe the warning indirectly targeted the floor leader.

“Her remarks were pressing Yoo to quit as soon as possible,” said Chung Goon-gi, a professor at Hongik University.