President Lee Says the Party Can Criticize the Government: "Do We Have to Say Only Good Things?"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung said on the 19th that, in relations between the ruling party and the presidential office, "the party can criticize the government when necessary." He was directly addressing recent speculation about tensions after Democratic Party of Korea leader Jeong Cheong-rae did not attend the send-off for Lee's departure on his European tour, and after Lee sent social networking service messages during the trip.
At a question-and-answer session following the briefing on the European tour and the Group of Seven (G7) summit results at Chunchugwan, Lee said, "I do not think we should only say good things."
He added, "The relationship between the party and the presidential office is one in which they are both one and separate at the same time. Of course, they can encourage each other to do better, and they can also point out what is wrong."
Lee continued, "Although it may look to you as if the Democratic Party of Korea and the current government are in serious conflict, I think this is part of the process of doing better." He stressed, "To earn a good evaluation from the public, we need to deliver results."
He also spoke about the essence of politics, saying, "Politics is reality, and action matters," and "the final goal of politics is to gather as many supporters and sympathizers as possible." He added, "Politics must always be inclusive," and said, "I believe political parties should be more inclusive and open."
On personnel appointments, he said, "If a position is meant for work, you should not choose someone just because they are close to you. You should appoint capable people." Lee added, "In the end, results are made by people, and the public is watching whether we use talented people or only take care of our own side." He said, "We should also use people from the other side. Aren't they doing well too?"
Lee also discussed the role of the ruling party, saying, "When you become the largest ruling party, your position is different," and "you need to be as inclusive and open as possible." He went on to say, "The government must take responsibility for results through action and implementation, not just through claims," and emphasized, "Right now, we need to focus on people's livelihoods and the economy."
Lee added, "I hope the party will give strong support to the government and the administration as they work to take care of people's livelihoods and the economy, and to the inclusiveness and openness needed for that."
west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Choi Jong-geun Reporter