SEOUL, July 14 (AFP): South Korea's ruling party Wednesday elected a close confidant to President Lee Myung-Bak as its new leader in preparation for presidential and parliamentary elections in 2012.
Ahn Sang-Soo, 64, a key member of a political faction loyal to the president, became chairman of the conservative Grand National Party (GNP) at its national convention, party officials said.
Lee has earned positive grades on the economy and diplomacy despite escalating tensions with North Korea, but his party was hit by an unexpected defeat in local elections on June 2.
He also suffered a political blow two weeks ago when parliament rejected a multi-billion-dollar government plan to develop a new city as a science, business and education hub.
ROK ruling party gets new leader
FE Team | Published: July 15, 2010 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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