Monday, 11 January 2021_North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has been elected as the ruling Workers Party’s general secretary during its current assembly -- assuming the title from his late father – in an apparent bid to bolster his authority.
The ruling Workers Party of Korea "unanimously adopted" a decision to elect Kim as general secretary at its congress on Sunday, Pyongyang’s state news agency KCNA reported Monday, adding, "All the delegates expressed full support with stormy applause in great excitement."
Analysts see the move as an attempt to enhance Kim's authority amid the country’s struggling economy in the face of persisting US-led sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs as well as a self-imposed coronavirus isolation.
The last such gathering five years ago had named Kim as party chairman in what was largely seen as a ceremonial coronation for the leader, who was in his early 30s at the time.
The new title comes after Kim pledged at the ongoing congress to further strengthen North Korea’s military capabilities, and censured the US as the "foremost principal enemy" of his nation.
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