[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Democratic Party presidential candidates Lee Jae-myung and Park Yong-jin raised their voices in Honam over the issue of revising Article 80 of the party constitution.
On the 17th, the two candidates engaged in a debate over the revision of Article 80 of the party constitution and the reinstatement of independent lawmaker Min Hyung-bae, who was embroiled in controversy over 'fake resignation,' during a Gwangju-Jeonnam debate broadcast on Gwangju KBS.
Candidate Park criticized the Democratic Party Emergency Committee's decision to maintain the original text of Article 80, Paragraph 1. Article 80, Paragraph 1 of the party constitution allows the suspension of duties of party officials indicted on charges related to corruption and legal violations. Park said, "I opposed the revision of Article 80," and asked Lee, "Representative Park Chan-dae is strongly demanding the withdrawal of the Emergency Committee's decision. Do you share the same opinion?"
In response, Lee said, "If I must answer, I thought the content of Article 80 was excessive, but from the perspective of unity, I did not think it was necessary to forcibly push through the revision by fighting." He added, "I do not agree with Representative Park Chan-dae's opinion," and "The party currently has leadership, and we must respect the decisions made by the leadership."
When Park said, "I think the Emergency Committee's decision is a victory for Park Yong-jin's principles and a victory for the common sense of party members and the public," Lee responded, "Congratulations to Candidate Park, but since there was no real fight, I don't think it can be called a victory," sparking a tense exchange. Park also criticized the controversy itself, saying, "The revision of Article 80 caused disputes and factionalism, leading to ridicule from the People Power Party."
Park also criticized Lee over the reinstatement issue of lawmaker Min. Lee had previously said that Min's resignation during the 'Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights' (Geomsu Wanbak) phase was done "at the request of other lawmakers," which Park argued made Min's resignation appear as a 'trick resignation.'
Park said, "Isn't Candidate Lee's stance supporting Min's reinstatement because it seems like Min sacrificed for the party?" He added, "The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing procedural deficiencies in the prosecution reform bill, and the People Power Party claims Min's resignation was a 'trick resignation.' According to Lee's argument, it would be siding with the People Power Party." He further stated, "This is a dangerous logic and a convenience-driven attitude," and emphasized, "Min's reinstatement should follow the principles set out in the party constitution and regulations."
Lee replied, "I believe Min sacrificed to fulfill our party's goals and the requests of supporters," and said, "Even if there are special circumstances, the regulation allowing reinstatement before one year has passed should be applied."
Meanwhile, during his time leading the debate, Lee focused on promoting the economic development direction of the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions instead of asking questions. Lee said, "Taking care of people's livelihoods is the essence of politics," and added, "Long-term investment in renewable energy should be expanded along the West Coast, including Gwangju and Jeonnam." He also said, "In Jeonnam, the issue of population extinction at the county level is serious," and "If possible, opportunities such as rural basic income or solar pensions should be provided in addition to infrastructure development to encourage people to return."
When Park asked during Lee's remarks, "Aren't you going to ask any questions at all?" Lee replied, "I thought it was more important to focus on people's lives on the ground than on political debates."
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