North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday praised the recent purge of “counterrevolutionary” elements from the government, in reference to last month’s execution of his uncle Jang Song Thaek for treason.

Kim said the party had been united a hundred fold after removing those who were causing faction. In his New Year’s address, Kim said the ruling party was able to detect counterrevolutionary factionists and anti-party dissenters at the opportune time. Following the decisions, “The Party and revolutionary ranks were further consolidated and our single-hearted unity was solidified to the maximum,” Kim said

Kim further opined that for the country to progress, it needs to be more vigilant in weeding out any sort of alien ideology and called for thorough worker’s ideological education so that party members can think and act in unison with the party’s philosophy.

The North Korean government is notorious for its dictatorship and the way it has successfully used propaganda to project a picture of a powerful Kim who demands unquestionable loyalty. The purge of Kim’s uncle will likely be used for more propaganda.

Kim became the country’s ruler in 2011 following the death of his father, King Jong II. He turns 31 next week and experts say the removal of the highest ranking government official may consolidate his power or bring chaos.

Meanwhile, Kim talked about a number of policy goals for the country including agriculture and the economy. However, the North Korean leader did not make mention of foreign investment or international trade as his father had done. This could mean that North Korea may have to focus on domestic trade.

Other issues mentioned include U.S. and South Korea’s interference in his country’s nuclear plans. Last month, South Korea warned that a military provocation is a possibility if North Korea does not cease its nuclear ambitions.

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