On Lee Jaemyung's Four-Year, Two-Term Presidency Pledge
"A Deceptive Constitutional Amendment Aimed at Extending Rule"
On May 20, Kim Yongtae, interim leader of the People Power Party, and Jun Byunghun, leader of the New Future Democratic Party, met and agreed to continue broad consultations aimed at blocking the election of Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, and pursuing constitutional reform for the 7th Republic, on the condition of severing and overcoming martial law.
Kim and Jun met at a hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, for about 40 minutes starting at around 11 a.m. that day. Kim told Jun, "After today's discussion, I will let everyone know whether we can form a coalition for constitutional reform and whether we can truly uphold the value of liberal democracy and engage in dialogue together. I hope today's discussion will be productive and serve as a starting point for opening a new future for the Republic of Korea."
Jun responded, "We are at a very important historical crossroads: whether a presidential dictatorship that controls all three branches of government?legislative, judicial, and executive?will emerge through this presidential election, or whether our people can prevent it. The People Power Party bears many burdens and limitations due to its responsibility for martial law, but I hope Chairman Kim will play a major role in preventing the emergence of a presidential dictatorship through radical innovation, reform, and swift reorganization of party ranks."
After the meeting, the two spoke to reporters and said they had agreed to cooperate to block Lee's election and pursue constitutional reform for the 7th Republic. Kim explained, "On the premise of severing and overcoming martial law, and to prevent Lee Jaemyung's dictatorial rule, we have decided to continue broad consultations for constitutional reform for the 7th Republic."
Jun added, "While the People Power Party urgently reorganizes its internal ranks and undertakes massive innovation efforts, we will also pursue constitutional reform for the 7th Republic so that the general and presidential elections in 2028 can be held concurrently. The president elected in this election should serve as a stepping stone or catalyst for launching the 7th Republic, and we have agreed to cooperate to the best of our abilities to achieve this."
Regarding Lee's proposal for a four-year, two-term presidency, Jun commented, "This is another deceptive constitutional amendment reminiscent of the Sasaoip amendment, and I cannot help but suspect an intention to extend the current administration's rule." He went on to praise the proposals by former leader Han Donghoon, former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, and presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo to shorten the presidential term to three years and amend the constitution as a firm promise to usher in the 7th Republic.
On the possibility of an alliance with Lee Nakyon, adviser to the New Future Democratic Party, Jun explained, "At present, former Prime Minister Lee is not particularly interested in forming an alliance or cooperating with the People Power Party."
Regarding the internal situation of the People Power Party, Jun said, "There is still a lack of unity among the (primary) candidates, so despite concerns about the emergence of a 'presidential dictator' under Lee Jaemyung, the People Power Party candidate is not making significant progress. Only with thorough internal organization can other political factions or forces join us."
Kim stated, "Even the candidates who competed in the primary are campaigning on the ground for Kim's victory. As interim leader, I am confident we can win. Together with party members and citizens, I will lead Kim to victory," he appealed for support.
As the number of figures declaring support for Lee increases, leading to talk of a so-called 'Pro-Myung Big Tent,' Jun argued, "Those joining are gathering in anticipation of sharing in power, forming a 'Tteokkomeul Club' hoping for the crumbs of authority. Calling it a Pro-Myung Big Tent is an overstatement."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
