Ahn Cheol-soo "Will Meet and Persuade Lee Jae-myung"... Proposes 2026 Decentralized Presidential Constitutional Amendment

Proposes Constitutional Amendment at National Assembly Press Conference
Suggests Strengthening Impeachment Requirements to Prevent Legislative Monopoly by the Opposition
Also Proposes Introduction of "Mixed-Member District System"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, proposed a national referendum on constitutional amendment in June 2026. Ahn also expressed his intention to personally visit and persuade Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 3rd, Ahn said, "I propose this to both ruling and opposition parties, including Leader Lee," and added, "In June 2026, when the local elections will be held, let us promise a national referendum for constitutional amendment along with the local government elections."

Ahn outlined the main direction of the constitutional amendment, emphasizing the decentralization of powers between the president and the legislature. He stated, "The Korean president holds much stronger powers than the U.S. president, who symbolizes the presidential system," and added, "For political stability and continuity, a reduced-power president with a four-year renewable term is desirable." Regarding the opposition party’s means to check legislative power, he said, "The requirements and procedures for impeachment of ministers and public officials should be detailed to prevent abuse of power," and "The abuse of legislative power by the National Assembly should be explicitly prohibited in the constitution to maintain the balance of the separation of powers."

Yonhap News

In addition, Ahn revealed plans to redesign the basic rights of the people. He said, "South Korea has become the 10th largest economy, and in response to current domestic and international challenges, the state’s responsibilities and goals must be newly designed," adding, "It should include elements that improve the quality of human life such as economy, welfare, environment, human rights, and peace." He also mentioned responses to risks arising from scientific and technological development, expansion of the new concept of human security, universal access to information and safety rights, and balanced regional development.

Regarding the method of constitutional amendment, Ahn said, "Constitutional amendment is a more important national task than the early presidential election currently under review by the Constitutional Court," and proposed, "The National Assembly should immediately form a special committee on constitutional amendment and start the constitutional amendment process."

Leader Lee expressed his willingness to make direct and indirect efforts to persuade opposition parties that are reluctant to discuss constitutional amendment. He said, "It is necessary to persuade senior members, emergency committee chairs, and floor leaders of the People Power Party regarding constitutional amendment," and added, "As an important decision-maker, I will request a meeting and visit them."

Furthermore, from the perspective of political reform, he also emphasized the need to introduce a 'mixed urban-rural multi-member district system or a German-style mixed-member proportional representation system.'