Yang Jaejin: "The Reform Party Should Become a Reformist Liberal Party"

Lecture at the Reform Research Institute's "Jukyungyadok" Forum
"Strengthen Proportional Representation to Establish a Multi-Party System"
"Clear Commitment Needed to Gender Equality, the Environment, and Individual Freedom"

On October 13, the first session of the "Jukyungyadok" forum, hosted by the Reform Research Institute, the think tank of the Reform Party, was held. Yang Jaejin, professor of public administration at Yonsei University and author of "Principles of Government," delivered the opening lecture on the theme "The Path of Korea, The Path of the Reform Party." He stated, "There is a need to establish a moderate multi-party system." He argued that "the proportional representation system should be expanded so that five or six capable parties can coexist and operate on the premise of forming coalitions." Professor Yang assessed, "Reforming the electoral system is the fastest and most realistic way to break the entrenchment of the two-party system," adding, "The growing discrepancy between vote share and parliamentary seats has become a major driver for change." He also proposed introducing a runoff voting system and raising the requirements for judicial appointments to prevent partisan nominations.

Professor Yang further emphasized that to enhance the expertise of lawmakers, it is necessary to expand proportional representation to strengthen occupational representation and to create an environment where lawmakers can serve multiple terms, rather than focusing on first- and second-term members. He suggested relaxing the term limits for proportional representatives and increasing opportunities for those with practical experience, such as in local or metropolitan councils or as heads of local governments, to enter parliament. Regarding the number of lawmakers, he argued that around 400 seats would be reasonable, and that if the total budget is kept unchanged, the public could be persuaded by redesigning the size of legislative staff or adjusting salaries.

Professor Yang advised, "I hope the Reform Party becomes a reformist liberal party," and continued, "It is necessary to combine a free market with social investment and to prioritize breaking up monopolies and institutional reform in politics. The party should clearly declare its commitment to gender equality, the environment, and individual freedom and choice."

Kim Doosu, president of the Reform Research Institute, explained, "The forum was designed as a process to explore the new political path pursued by the Reform Party together. It is not a place to provide answers, but a serious forum for public discussion where we learn and shape the future through questions and debate." "Jukyungyadok," which is open to everyone, will be held every Monday evening (18:00-20:00) in Conference Room 1 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, starting from November 3, after the National Assembly's audit of government affairs.