The Blue House Reaffirms Its Position That Presidential Consecutive-Term Constitutional Amendment Is Impossible

The Blue House reiterated on the 29th that a constitutional amendment including the incumbent president’s reelection is realistically impossible. As controversy grew over National Assembly Speaker Cho Jungsik’s remarks, it appears to be moving to calm the situation by drawing a line regarding the possibility of President Lee Jaemyung pursuing reelection. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonsik told reporters that under the constitutional system, extending the term of an incumbent president or changing the limit on consecutive terms is not permitted. He criticized the People Power Party for inflaming the controversy and said the Blue House should focus on people’s livelihoods and economic issues. Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Hong Ikpyo also explained the same point on a radio broadcast, saying that there had never been any attempt to induce a political realignment by bringing in figures from the opposition. Inside and outside the Blue House, there are also views that the controversy can only subside if the president himself makes it clear that he has no intention of seeking reelection.