Ruling party chief hints at big changes

Han Kwang-ok, chairman of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party, said Monday he may move to introduce parliamentary hearings to approve appointees to the post of prosecutor general.

At the party's traditional January news conference Mr. Han stressed taking action to root out corruption among politicians, which he said undermined the legacy of the Kim Dae-jung administration.

Mr. Han said the party is also considering pushing for tax cuts for the middle and lower class. He said he would move to reduce the tax burden on salaried workers and the self-employed.

To guarantee the basic livelihood of low-income citizens Mr. Han proposed expanding government pensions, supporting state assistance for child care and increasing government support for the disabled.

Mr. Han also spoke highly of the ruling party's introduction of a primary to choose its presidential candidate and vowed to carry out a fair election.

A Blue House official said Mr. Han's proposal to require parliamentary approval of the prosecutor general appointee is unconstitutional. "It could also hurt the president's authority in personnel management," the official said.

Other government economic experts expressed doubts about Mr. Han's pledges, saying that the proposals seem to be intended merely to give the party a leg up going into this year's two major elections ?the local elections and presidential race.

by Kim Chong-hyuk