Kim Jong Un to remain Supreme Leader of North Korea, re-elected as General Secretary of ruling Workers’ Party

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Kim Jong Un has once again been elected as the General Secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of North Korea. He was given the responsibility unanimously during the party congress. According to reports confirmed by state media on Monday, February 23, the decision was taken on the fourth day of the meeting with the “unanimous will and unwavering support” of all delegates. The report stated that under Kim’s leadership, the country’s war deterrence capability, based on nuclear strength, has grown stronger.

The Workers’ Party congress is held once every five years. The multi-day meeting sets national policies and outlines the country’s future direction. Discussions range from public housing projects to defense and military strategies. At the opening of the congress, Kim Jong Un pledged to improve the living standards of the people, indicating that the country’s economy remains under pressure due to international sanctions.

In his address, Kim said the party faces key tasks such as strengthening the economy, improving citizens’ living conditions, and accelerating reforms across various sectors of the state and society.

Preparation for next phase of nuclear program

For decades, North Korea has prioritized nuclear weapons and military strength, even while facing food shortages and economic hardships. After taking power in 2011, Kim Jong Un emphasized efforts to stabilize and strengthen the economy. During the previous party congress in 2021, he acknowledged that mistakes had been made in “almost all areas” of economic development, a rare public admission.

Kim has already indicated that this year’s congress could announce the next phase of the country’s nuclear weapons program. State media also reported that a proposal to amend party rules was approved during Sunday’s session, aiming to reinforce party unity and ensure fairness in maintaining discipline.