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| Prime Minister nominee Chung Sye-kyun speaks during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap |
By Kang Seung-woo
The prime minister nominee denied claims that his nomination could violate the principle of the separation of powers between the nation's legislative, administrative and judicial branches, Tuesday.
Chung Sye-kyun, a six-term lawmaker and former National Assembly speaker, was tapped as a new premier last month. If appointed after a parliamentary confirmation hearing and approval, Chung will be the nation's first prime minister who served as a National Assembly speaker.
"It is not possible for an active parliamentary leader to transfer to the prime minister post, which destroys the separation of legal, administrative and judicial powers," Chung said during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly.
The 68-year-old stressed that he is not an Assembly speaker anymore, only a lawmaker, and there should be no problem for him to assume the position.
"As far as I know, the separation of powers means 'functional separation' of roles in legal, administrative and judicial branches, but does not mean the need to separate the roles that a person can take," Chung said. "But I'll humbly reflect on such concerns."
He also said that other lawmakers may not like him taking on the position, but the public has different opinions. "I believe they will find it desirable for me to take the post if there are things I can do."
Opposition lawmakers expressed concerns and speculated that Chung, as a ruling party member, would not take issue with President Moon Jae-in on state affairs, but Chung said it would not be true, saying former lawmakers moving to the head positions of government-run bodies are not treated as assemblymen anymore.
Chung also mentioned the need for constitutional revision.
"Under the current Constitution, all power is concentrated on the head of state and the administrative branches," he said. "I strongly believe that without decentralization of authority, there will be no bright future for Korea."
He also said he would propose the President appoint opposition party figures to Cabinet posts.
The Moon administration has sought such an appointment, but failed to do so following reluctance from opposition parties.
"I'll meet representatives of all political parties and all walks of life regularly," he said. "Through communication, I'll seek cooperation between the government and the Assembly and settlement of various social conflicts."
President Moon appointed Chung as part of his push for revitalizing the economy in the latter half of his single five-year presidency.
He is known for his experience and expertise in economic affairs, having worked at a local conglomerate for 17 years ahead of his career as a politician. He was an executive at Ssangyong Group in the early 1990s.
The nominee said that the government will make efforts to serve as a catalyst in shoring up the slowing economy and seek bold deregulation for a better business environment.
