"Constitutional Amendment for Decentralized Presidential System and Eradication of Extreme Politics Needed"
Earlier at Press Conference: "Democratic Party Should Change Its Presidential Candidate"
Former Prime Minister Lee Nakyon said on the 10th, "The public is fed up with the 'Beopkkuraji' tactics of President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment trial and the various trials of Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung being delayed by every possible means."
Lee made these remarks at the '7th Republic with the People' current affairs forum held at 2 p.m. in the multipurpose auditorium on the 9th floor of Jeonil Building 245 in Dong-gu, Gwangju, stating, "'The simultaneous liquidation of Yoon Sukyeol and Lee Jaemyung's politics' is becoming the spirit of the times."
As the keynote speaker, Lee began by saying, "Politics has become harsh, and the crisis has become serious." He continued, "Currently, the People Power Party is even defending President Yoon's declaration of martial law, while the Democratic Party is downplaying Lee's judicial risks," adding, "This is a dangerous act that is dragging Korea toward a predetermined tragedy."
He further stated, "If the People Power Party does not resolve the issue of martial law and the Democratic Party does not address Lee's judicial risks before the presidential election, the current chaos will either continue after the election or simply change camps, but the confusion will persist," adding, "This will be the prelude to a 'predetermined tragedy.'"
Lee also proposed a constitutional amendment for a 'decentralized presidential system' to end the '87 system.' He said, "I hope to institutionally distribute presidential powers to positions such as a responsible prime minister, strengthen the requirements for martial law, and introduce a national recall system for members of the National Assembly."
He added, "I propose that a political consensus on constitutional amendment be reached before the presidential election, and that a national referendum on the amendment be held simultaneously with the election," and urged, "I call for the participation of the political community, especially the Democratic Party, which pledged constitutional amendment but remains silent this time."
He emphasized, "I firmly believe that the emergence of a rational and responsible party that excludes extremist forces on both sides is urgently needed," and appealed, "I hope politicians and conscientious citizens will make a decisive choice."
Lee concluded, "Just as the people of Honam have set the country right at every turning point in history, I ask you to take the lead once again in rescuing Korea from the crisis of sinking," and pledged, "I will devote myself to doing my best so that Korea can avoid the 'predetermined tragedy' and move toward the 'hopeful 7th Republic.'"
Meanwhile, prior to the event, Lee stated at a press conference, "Gwangju has always played a pioneering role politically. It is necessary to demand that the Democratic Party change its candidate."
Lee said, "According to senior politicians from the Constitutional Assembly, many people feel they could vote with peace of mind if the Democratic Party changes its candidate," adding, "The second trial verdict on Lee Jaemyung's election law case will be a watershed moment."
Regarding the possibility of an early presidential run, he briefly answered, "I will do my best in whatever I can do for the country."
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