Unmistakably accompanied by enthusiastic commentaries on state television, Kim Jong Jung holds his first convention in five years, a major event under scrutiny from afar by foreign analysts.
The North Korean leader is gathering his party to try to find remedies for a crippled economy. Despite the loud applause of the delegates, he in fact drew up a report of failure, which is very rare. “Almost all sectors have been far from achieving their objectives,” he said according to the official agency, acknowledging “mistakes”. These objectives were those of the 2016 five-year economic development plan.
North Korea, which suffers from chronic mismanagement, is as hard hit by international sanctions linked to its nuclear and ballistic programs as the heir to the Kim dynasty has stepped up. Campaigns have been launched to call on North Koreans to work overtime in order to support the economy.
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