New Prime Minister Kim Byong-joon speaks at a news conference. [Photo by Yoo Dae-kil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
Prime Minister-designate Kim Byong-joon, if approved by parliament, will take control of domestic affairs, presidential aides said Wednesday, indicating President Park Geun-hye will take a back seat in running the country.
Their remarks presaged the introduction of a power-sharing governance structure in which the president takes charge of external affairs such as defense and foreign policy, with the premier calling all the shots on internal matters.
In a move to assuage public outrage over an influence-peddling scandal involving her close confidante, Park nominated Kim, policy advisor to late liberal President Roh Moo-hyun, and two Cabinet ministers. But opposition parties immediately called on her to cancel what they called "unilateral" nominations.
"(The designation of Kim) means that (Park) will virtually take a back seat (in running the country)," a source told Yonhap News Agency, declining to be named. "Nominee Kim will be the chief executive in charge of managing internal affairs."
After completing a personnel overhaul of her secretariat, Park is expected to publicly explain her decision to delegate part of her executive power to the new prime minister, a source said.
"As soon as President Park openly confirms the authority of Prime Minister-designate Kim, it is fair to say we will have two presidents," the official said over the phone. "Then, Kim will be a president for internal affairs, while Park will retreat from her authority (to handle domestic matters)."
Touching on the mounting calls for Park to step down, another official from the presidential office dismissed the possibility. "President Park has taken the public backlash heavily and is gravely aware of the current situation," the official said, requesting anonymity.
"In consideration of the fact that the president's resignation would be an irresponsible decision before the citizens and before history, (Park) will seek a way to minimize any administrative vacuum and give power to the prime minister," he added.
(Yonhap)
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
