조국 지명에 여야 입장은 '극과 극'
Rival parties are divided over Friday's cabinet reshuffle,... especially over the nomination of Cho Kuk as justice minister.
The ruling party believes he's the right choice,... while the opposition perceive that nomination as a declaration of war.
Kim Min-ji brings us the contrasting responses
The ruling Democratic Party welcomed the cabinet reshuffle saying the nominees are experts in their respective fields,... and expressed hope for concrete achievements.
As for the nomination of former presidential secretary Cho Kuk as justice minister the ruling party says it shows the Moon Jae-in administration's determination to carry out judicial reform.
The party also called for cooperation from the opposition bloc to swiftly schedule confirmation hearings and cautioned against unnecessary political strife.
"From the point of view of political maneuvering, the opposition can criticize but the public also have high hopes for the justice minister nominee."
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party blasted the overall cabinet reshuffle,... claiming that it's a move to get the ruling party ready for next year's parliamentary elections.
They also criticized the Moon administration for not revamping its diplomatic and security line-up amid mounting security concerns.
Regarding the nomination of Cho Kuk the conservatives have long voiced opposition to him,... due to controversial cabinet screenings when he was presidential secretary.
"He failed when it came to his work as the civil affairs secretary. I deeply regret his nomination. This cabinet reshuffle ignores the opposition and is a declaration of war."
Fierce clashes are expected at Cho's confirmation hearing.
But it's without a doubt that his appointment will speed up the Moon administration's drive to reform the prosecution.
He was behind the blueprint for plans to rebalance the investigative powers of the police and the prosecution... and the establishment of an independent body to probe corruption by high-ranking officials.
Those two bills are currently pending at the National Assembly.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.
