Nationwide Signature Campaign for Constitutional Amendment
"Only Lee Jaemyung Is Holding Out in Opposition"
Senior political figures from both ruling and opposition parties have launched a nationwide signature campaign urging constitutional amendment, marking the full-scale emergence of the 'constitutional amendment discussion' sparked by the December 3 emergency martial law declaration. However, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, remains silent on the call for constitutional reform.
On the 5th, officials affiliated with the Korea Constitutional Association attended the National Rally for Constitutional Amendment and the Launching Ceremony of the Signature Campaign at Seoul Station Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, urging the decentralization of the presidential powers.
The Korea Constitutional Association, a group of former lawmakers, held a nationwide constitutional amendment resolution rally and signature campaign launch ceremony at Seoul Station Plaza at 2 p.m. on the 5th, announcing a nationwide resolution for constitutional amendment. Attendees included Jung Dae-cheol, chairman of the Constitutional Association; Joo Ho-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and chairman of the People Power Party’s Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment; Lee Hak-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party; and Yoo Jeong-bok, mayor of Incheon and chairman of the Korea Council of Provincial Governors, gathering regardless of progressive or conservative affiliations. Given the limitations of the 1987 constitutional system, there was a consensus that active discussions on parliamentary system, responsible prime minister system, and electoral district reforms are necessary, and that Lee’s participation is essential for this purpose.
Senior figures from both ruling and opposition parties appealed to the public, stating, "Constitutional amendment is urgent to overcome the 1987 system. The decentralization of power from the imperial presidency is a national task that must be resolved in this era, a demand of the times, and a command from the people."
In the resolution, the Constitutional Association declared, "We will pursue constitutional amendments that dismantle the imperial presidency, decentralize power, and realize political pluralism along with consensual democracy."
On the 5th, officials affiliated with the Korea Constitutional Association attended the National Rally for Constitutional Amendment and the Launching Ceremony of the Signature Campaign at Seoul Station Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, urging the decentralization of the presidential powers.
In his opening remarks, Jung Dae-cheol, chairman of the Constitutional Association, said, "Think about the lesson of December 3. Even a president who was doing well suddenly became an imperial president and declared martial law," adding, "Since there is a sufficient possibility that this could happen again if we elect a president in the future, we must hold constitutional amendment first and then the presidential election."
Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young said, "In the early stages of a regime, it is the president, and in the later stages, it is those who think they will become the next president, causing 50 million people to suffer under the current political system. Should we continue with this system as it is?" He added, "Even senior members of the opposition say 'constitutional amendment must be done,' but only one person (Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party) is resisting, saying the timing is not right. We must make him unable to avoid constitutional amendment through the nationwide signature campaign," pressuring Lee.
Members of the 'Senior Group Concerned about the Nation,' including former Prime Ministers Kim Boo-kyum and Lee Nak-yeon, and former party leaders Kim Moo-sung, Hwang Woo-yeo, Sohn Hak-kyu, and Seo Cheong-won, also emphasized the need for constitutional amendment. Former Prime Minister Kim said, "If every weekend we only split into pro- and anti-impeachment camps and curse each other, will the country prosper? Politics is ruining this country because of an outdated and flawed constitution. Let’s create a new, good constitution suited to the times to save the country."
The Constitutional Association will start the signature campaign for constitutional amendment both offline and online from this day. Seven civic groups, including the National Action for Constitutional Amendment, the National Conference for Local Autonomy, and the Women’s Coalition for Constitutional Amendment, will participate. Starting in Seoul, the goal is to collect 10 million signatures in Daegu, Busan, Gwangju, and Chungcheong regions.
On the 6th, the Constitutional Association will also hold a forum at the National Assembly Library with the Democracy Promotion Council on the topic of constitutional amendment for a decentralized power structure.
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