Yeo Jeon-junwi, Finally Amends Party Charter Article 80... Duty Suspension Only if Guilty in First Trial

Morning Assembly Held but Amendment Decision Made
Sojusung and 1 Household 1 House Policy Amendments Also Passed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The Democratic Party’s Convention Preparation Committee has ultimately amended ‘Article 80 of the Party Constitution,’ which includes disciplinary measures against party officials involved in corruption. This move aims to protect party lawmakers who are under investigation amid anticipated investigative offensives by the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. It is reported that a heated debate took place during the morning caucus meeting over whether to amend the article.

On the 16th, the Democratic Party’s Convention Preparation Committee held its 10th meeting at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building and passed the amendment to the party constitution. Ahead of the meeting, former committee chairman Ahn Kyu-baek told Asia Economy in a phone interview, “There is no significant change in the stance to pass the amendment.” Regarding internal opposition, he countered, “Will we change the decision just because there is strong criticism? We must amend what needs improvement.”

At the meeting, the committee reportedly raised the suspension condition in Article 80, Paragraph 1 of the party constitution from ‘upon indictment’ to ‘if convicted of imprisonment or higher in a lower court.’ Chairman Ahn explained, “Even if indicted, many cases result in acquittal in the first and second trials. We need to wait for the court’s judgment in the lower courts so that no one can raise objections.”

Additionally, in Paragraph 3, which states, “If it is recognized that there are unjust reasons such as political oppression, the Central Party Ethics Committee may cancel or suspend disciplinary actions upon resolution,” the amendment added that the cancellation or suspension of disciplinary actions can also be decided through a resolution of the Supreme Council.

On the same day, the committee changed expressions in the party platform from ‘income-led growth’ to ‘inclusive growth’ and from ‘one household, one house’ to ‘actual owners and residents.’ Chairman Ahn explained, “As the opposition party, it is appropriate to adopt a broad direction rather than specifying particular policies of a specific government in the platform. Many fellow lawmakers agreed with this direction in the survey.” The expression ‘basic income,’ a pledge of candidate Lee Jae-myung, was also decided not to be included after intense debate.

Despite the committee’s decision, it is reported that another round of heated discussions took place immediately afterward at the caucus meeting. Chairman Ahn stated, “There has never been such a case regarding the amendment of the party constitution,” explaining that it is a matter to be decided by the committee or the party leadership.

Emergency Response Committee Chairman Woo Sang-ho clearly expressed his intention to amend Article 80 of the party constitution on a radio show that day, saying, “Some say it is to ‘protect Lee Jae-myung,’ but more lawmakers with a pro-Moon Jae-in stance are likely to be indicted.” Regarding the platform amendment, he firmly stated, “These are things that should not originally be included in the platform.” Once the committee submits the amendments to the party constitution and platform, they are expected to be finalized through the Emergency Response Committee’s resolution and the Party Affairs Committee.