With President Yoon Seok-yeol’s approval rating in the 20% range falling, there are voices within the ruling party calling for urgent measures, such as expressing the president’s position, but the President’s Office remains steadfast. The President’s Office plans to focus on policies such as the four major reforms in silence, without being swayed by the opposition party’s offensive, including the decline in approval ratings and suspicions related to Myung Tae-gyun. While it is likely that President Yoon will personally express his thoughts by holding a press conference, ‘dialogue with the people’, or ‘town hall meeting’ later this month, it is difficult to advance this as requested within the ruling party.
In a phone call with the Dong-A Ilbo on the 3rd, a high-ranking official from the Presidential Office said, “The president’s intention is not to respond politically,” and added, “No matter how low the approval rating is, we will continue to do what we have been doing by focusing on our policy capabilities and pursue the 4+1 (4+1) policy.” “We will tell the public about the achievements of reforms (pension, medical care, education, labor + low birth rate),” he said. He continued, “(The opposition party) has been saying ‘Kill Yoon Seok-yeol and save Lee Jae-myung’ for two years, and now they are planning to impeach, but the president’s position is that he has not done anything that violates the Constitution and the law.”
The President’s Office plans to have an opportunity to explain to the public later this month, as external events such as the U.S. presidential election are approaching, and there are diplomatic schedules such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and the G20 summit in the middle of this month. . An official from the Presidential Office said, “There is a U.S. presidential election that the world is paying attention to this week, and there are many external variables, such as North Korea’s troop dispatch to Russia,” and added, “Wouldn’t the president have an opportunity to explain after observing such a situation?” Regarding methods such as press conferences and town hall meetings, he said, “Nothing has been decided yet,” and “Preparations are complete, but all that remains is decision and execution.”
Reporter Hwang Hyeong-jun [email protected]
-
- great
- 0dog
-
- I’m sad
- 0dog
- I’m angry
- 0dog
- I recommend it
- dog
Hot news now
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on President Yoon Seok-yeol’s Approval Ratings
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Given the recent drop in President Yoon Seok-yeol’s approval ratings, which are now hovering in the 20% range, many are asking: what does this mean for his presidency and the ruling party?
Political Expert: Thank you for having me. The situation is quite critical. The significant decline in approval ratings often signals discontent among the electorate, which can be alarming for any sitting president. For Yoon, this could pose challenges as he looks to implement his agenda.
Time.news Editor: Interestingly, despite the push from within his party for an immediate response, the President’s Office is reportedly holding firm on their current strategy. What do you think is behind this steadfastness?
Political Expert: That’s a key point. The President’s Office seems to believe in focusing on policy rather than reacting politically to public opinion. This approach might be rooted in a desire to present a sense of stability amidst the storm. However, this could also risk further alienating party members and constituents if there isn’t adequate communication about their efforts to implement the reforms.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned reforms. The administration is looking to pursue four major reforms related to pension, healthcare, education, labor, and addressing the low birth rate issues. How critical are these reforms at this moment?
Political Expert: These reforms are not just critical; they are essential for the long-term sustainability of South Korea’s social systems. However, the difficulty lies in public perception. If citizens feel disconnected from these reforms or perceive them as ineffective, even the most well-intentioned policies can face backlash, especially when approval ratings are low.
Time.news Editor: There’s speculation about President Yoon addressing the public through events like press conferences or town hall meetings. Do you think this kind of engagement is necessary given the current criticisms?
Political Expert: Absolutely. Engaging directly with the public could help humanize the president and mitigate growing concerns among his base. While the administration may resist this kind of political maneuvering, transparency and a willingness to engage in dialogue can foster trust and possibly boost his approval ratings.
Time.news Editor: The timing of this is also crucial with international events on the horizon, like the U.S. presidential election and the upcoming APEC and G20 summits. How do these external factors influence Yoon’s domestic challenges?
Political Expert: External factors play a significant role. The international stage often places pressure on domestic leaders. For Yoon, navigating these diplomatic engagements while addressing internal discontent will be a balancing act. If he can showcase his leadership effectively in these summits while simultaneously addressing domestic concerns, it could be beneficial for his political standing.
Time.news Editor: In light of the opposition’s calls for impeachment, how do you see these tensions evolving?
Political Expert: The opposition’s rhetoric is intense, and if they perceive that the administration is not responding adequately, they may escalate their efforts. However, the President’s assertion that he hasn’t violated the Constitution or laws could bolster his position—if he can demonstrate effective governance and meaningful reform. It’s a precarious situation, and outcomes are likely to depend on how well the administration navigates both policy and public sentiment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights today. The relationship between public approval, policy implementation, and political discourse is indeed intricate, and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds for President Yoon in the coming weeks.
Political Expert: Thank you for having me. It will be an interesting period ahead, and I hope to see more proactive engagement from the administration.