Park Yong-jin: "A General Assembly Must Be Convened Before Proposing Amendment to 'Party Charter Article 80'"... Park Hong-geun: "Do Not Use It for Elections"

Yoon Young-chan Also Joins: "Constitutional Amendment Is a Serious Matter"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Park Yong-jin, a candidate for party leader, has demanded the convening of a public debate and a party caucus meeting before proposing an amendment to the party constitution regarding the discussion on 'Article 80 amendment' within the party.

On the 12th, Park issued a statement saying, "Amending the party constitution is like changing the party's constitution."

He pointed out, "The currently controversial Article 80 of the Democratic Party's constitution, like Article 96, embodies the spirit and values of our Democratic Party that firmly opposes corruption," adding, "Such a significant change cannot be finalized by the Party Convention Preparation Committee and put to a vote without open discussion within the party."

He also said, "The abolition of the party's value of income-led growth policy is the same," emphasizing, "The party's platform cannot be changed like this without open debate or careful consideration."

He continued, "Although it is said to be a communicative party, asking members and central committee members to just vote on a finalized proposal without any public explanation or debate procedures is objectifying party members and is a typical path toward factionalism."

However, Floor Leader Park Hong-geun responded, "I hope no one uses the party for their political or electoral advantage," and stated, "Everything has procedures. It is a matter to be discussed and judged according to those procedures in principle," effectively rejecting the demand. He added, "It is unreasonable to intentionally demand nonexistent rules and procedures to highlight an issue," questioning, "Why approach the problem from the perspective of what is advantageous or disadvantageous to one's own election strategy?"

In response, Supreme Council candidate Yoon Young-chan criticized, "Is discussing the amendment to the party constitution at the party caucus using the party?" and said, "Floor Leader Park's refusal is a political decision that undermines intra-party democracy and is a serious interference in the party convention." He argued, "The party constitution is the constitution of the Democratic Party. Is it reasonable not to hold a caucus meeting before such a significant matter like a constitutional amendment?" and insisted, "There are sufficient grounds to hold a caucus meeting regarding the amendment to the party constitution."