North Korea: Ruling party reelects Kim as general secretary
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
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North Korea's ruling Workers' Party has reelected Kim Jong Un as its general secretary during its congress, held every five years and considered the country's most significant political event. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that under Kim's leadership, North Korea's nuclear deterrent has been strengthened, signaling a continued focus on military capabilities. The congress also elected new members to the party's central committee and adopted revisions to the party rules, though details were not provided.
The Workers' Party congress plays a pivotal role in shaping North Korea's domestic and foreign policies, as it sets priorities for state activities ranging from economic development to defense planning. This particular gathering is particularly notable due to Kim's recent remarks about the nation's nuclear program and his declaration of entering a new stage of optimism. In his opening speech, Kim acknowledged the challenges posed by sanctions but expressed confidence in overcoming them, promising to boost living standards and improve economic construction.
The congress has been closely
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026