New PM Considered 'Weaker' Than Predecessors

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New PM Considered 'Weaker' Than Predecessors

At his inaugural speech at the government building on May 23, acting Prime Minister Lee Han-dong reportedly felt the need to laugh. Lee laughed after saying, "I am not an extreme conservative as many people seem to think. I am, in fact, a rather reform-orinted conservative."

Lee added, "The press seems to be confused by my change of opinin but I do not intend to avoid the responsibility that accompany the formation of a coalition between the two ruling parties," with referenc to the alliance between the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) and the United Liberal Democrats (ULD).

At the cabinet meeting, President Kim Dae-jung said, "Now, Lee is second only to the president when it comes to running the government," adding, "Lee always puts forth his best effort, and he has a keen and creative mind."

President Kim thrice pointed out that "Lee was appointed according to ULD recommendation," and stressed that Prime Minister Lee is now the symbol of "unity and cooperation" between the two parties. However, compared to the two previous Prime Ministers, Kim Jong-pil and Park Tae-joon, Lee shows a definite lack of power.

Park Tae-joon retained some independence when he was Prime Minister, as did ULD leader Kim Jong-pil as the result of the part he played in the initial creation of the alliance system. Park secured his independent position by participating in the Chaebol restructure and pointing out personnel problems at Chong Wa Dae, the presidential office.

The new prime minister's position is clearly less stable. Lee joined the ULD earlier this year and became prime minister just three months later.

As a result of Lee's perceived lack of power, President Kim is expected to wield greater power in the National Assembly.

Lee himself is perfectly aware of his limits as Korea's new prime minister. "I think that the prime minister's foremost duty is to promote cooperation among cabinet members in order to create a stronger government," said Lee.

"I want to congratulate the president for successfully stabilizing the economy and for setting up the June South-North summit. I will do my best to support the nation and its president, with particular emphasis on the economy and the resolution of regional and class conflicts," Lee insisted. This goes directly against his earlier promise to "punish" Kim and his government during the April elections.



by Chun Yong-gi

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