AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Roh may veto Lee's gov't downsizing bill

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Roh may veto Lee's gov't downsizing bill: "President Roh and UNDP oppose President-elect Lee's plan to close ministries such as information-communication and science-technology

The Korea Herald
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday said that he may veto a bill to consolidate 18 ministries into 13, presented by President-elect Lee Myung-bak's transition team, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Denouncing the incoming president's downsizing plan as 'irrational and undemocratic,' Roh said at a Cabinet meeting that he will seriously consider vetoing the bill, even if it passes in parliament.

Political pundits say Roh's controversial remark has further dimmed the outlook for parliamentary approval of Lee's reform bill, as the pro-government United New Democratic Party and minor liberal parties, which can muster a majority of 150 votes in parliament, have already declared their opposition to the proposed closure of the Unification Ministry and the ministries of maritime affairs, information-communication, science-technology and gender equality."