Concerns Raised About Proxy System
"If Representative Lee Accepts Top-Level Decision, Party Must Operate Under Emergency Committee System"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Jo Hae-jin, a member of the People Power Party, argued that a resolution by the Supreme Council is necessary regarding Lee Jun-seok party leader's '6-month suspension of party membership rights.'
On the afternoon of the 10th, Jo stated on his Facebook, "For the decisions of internal party bodies such as the Ethics Committee and the Public Opinion Committee to be finalized as the party's decision beyond the intent of those bodies, a resolution by the Supreme Council must be made." This contrasts with the statement made by floor leader Kwon Seong-dong on the 8th, who said, "The disciplinary resolution by the Ethics Committee takes effect immediately." Jo serves as the vice-chairman of the Innovation Committee launched by Lee.
Jo also said, "In the case of disciplinary recommendation against the party leader, the person concerned should be considered disqualified from the Supreme Council, so the next in line, the floor leader, should preside over the meeting to decide whether to confirm the Ethics Committee's disciplinary action."
Along with this, Jo expressed concerns about the acting system. He said, "If the party leader accepts the Supreme Council's decision, the party should promptly form a provisional emergency committee and operate the party under this system for the next six months. Although it is inappropriate for the ruling party to operate under a provisional emergency committee for six months, unless the leader resigns, a new leadership election cannot be held, and operating under an acting system for six months is even less appropriate than a provisional emergency committee."
Jo also differentiated between cases where the party leader applies to the court for a suspension of effectiveness injunction and whether it is accepted or rejected. He said, "Even if the Supreme Council confirms the disciplinary action against the leader, if the leader applies to the court for a suspension of effectiveness injunction and it is accepted, the disciplinary action loses its effect and the leader's system continues." However, "If the court rejects the injunction application, the leader must refrain from political actions and remain restrained for the next six months. By ceasing unnecessary remarks that burden the party, the leader should show responsibility for the disciplinary action."
He added, "If the injunction application is rejected, to prevent the ruling party from operating abnormally for a long period of six months, the leader should consider resigning out of loyalty to the party."
Jo then emphasized, "All members of our party must act calmly and rationally, especially in difficult times. If one acts rashly out of personal greed or factional consciousness, it will cause new controversies and conflicts, plunging the party deeper into turmoil and making recovery difficult."
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