Opposition Calls for Fully Open Primary Platform
Proposes Constitutional Amendments Including Parliamentary System and Large Multi-member Districts
"Factionalism Threatens the Future... Leadership for Unity Needed"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Independent lawmaker Kim Tae-ho stated on the 29th that in order to achieve a regime change, a broad opposition coalition including all forces and a fully open primary platform must be established.
On the afternoon of the same day, at the "Forum for a Better World" (Mapo Forum) led by former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Moo-sung, Kim said, "It's not about who can or cannot do it, but anyone should come forward on the platform and show their abilities. Through cutoffs, citizens and the public should choose the candidate, and that candidate should become our party's nominee," adding, "In conclusion, I think we need to reorganize the entire system."
Kim emphasized, "Just as unknown contestants became stars through the competition process in Mr. Trot, we can definitely achieve this as well," and added, "Though unseen, new sprouts emerge even from frozen ground. I believe we can do it."
Kim pointed out, "The most important values in the constitution?fairness, justice, and morality?are now all thrown onto the streets. We need to restore these values to their rightful place," and continued, "Why did this situation arise? We bear significant responsibility. The way factions within our camp pursued their own interests appeared as greed from the public's perspective and was seen as unacceptable."
Kim said, "The candlelight public sentiment is neither conservative nor progressive. I believe it contained the will of the people yearning for change because the current situation is unacceptable," and expressed regret, "I deeply wish we had used that demand for change to institutionalize reforms for the nation's future."
Kim criticized, "The biggest mistake of the Moon Jae-in administration was distorting such public sentiment," and added, "The greatest tragedy was using that power not as energy for the entire nation's future but for factional interests."
Kim stated, "The biggest obstacle threatening our future is factional logic. If there is no bridge connecting the completely separate and isolated factions, even if we come to power, nothing will change," and emphasized, "This part requires a prerequisite change in the political system."
Referring to Germany's example, Kim said, "We must now move to a parliamentary system. Also, the electoral system should change to a large multi-member district system," and added, "I propose a constitutional amendment to President Moon Jae-in and the ruling party. This conviction will not change after this time."
Kim said, "Dividing history, dividing the people, having the Seocho-dong people and the Gwanghwamun people?what is this?" and stated, "Now is not the time for a zero-sum game but a win-win game. Without such integrative leadership, survival is impossible."
When asked whether far-right forces should also be embraced, Kim responded, "This discussion could potentially cause another division," and said, "The biggest principle is that anyone can come in. Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, accountant Kim Kyung-yul, and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, should all be able to come onto the stage."
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