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In signs of deepening conflict between the incumbent and incoming governments, President Roh Moo-hyun on Thursday slammed president-elect Lee Myung-bak¡¯s key policies from a cross-country canal to education. Presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon chimed in at a press briefing, saying the new government¡¯s education policies are ¡°too radical.¡± Roh held a New Year¡¯s meeting with some 270 senior government officials and party representatives at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday, but Lee¡¯s Grand National Party did not send a delegate. The GNP has been absent from all presidential New Year¡¯s meetings for the past five years.
In his 50-minute speech, Roh directly attacked his successor¡¯s education policies. He said the new government¡¯s education policies could bring ¡°tsunami-like changes¡± to the country¡¯s education system. The next government has promised to ease regulations on college selection of new students, which are represented by the ¡°three nos¡± to college-administered entrance exams, ratings of high schools and admissions for contributions. ¡°In the past, the media rallied round to say that college-administered entrance exams ¡®killed¡¯ students and ruined the nation¡¯s education. Now they want to restore the exams,¡± Roh said. ¡°Things shouldn¡¯t go this way. I am disappointed by the crushing defeat of the progressive camp, but blind political attacks are wrong.¡±
He also voiced opposition to the new government¡¯s move to ease a cap on corporations¡¯ cross-investment in affiliates. ¡°I know our economy has some problems. But it is standing on its own feet. Why are they pledging to ¡®revive¡¯ a healthy economy? They can revive the economy when it¡¯s dead.¡±
The president also slammed Lee¡¯s cross-country canal mega project. Turning to welfare, Roh said, ¡°Welfare is not an accessory of economic policies. It is as important as economic policies. Anyway, the country will undergo a drastic experiment over the next five years.¡±
Roh admitted many people ¡°are glad to see the age¡± of Lee dawn, and ¡°a smaller number of people will be sorry my era is over. But I hope the new age will bring happiness to all.¡±
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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