Gov`t Mulls 365-Day Parliament

Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) are reportedly pushing for an amendment to allow the 18th National Assembly to be in session all year round.

A senior official close to the ruling camp said on Sunday on condition of anonymity, “President Lee Myung-bak asked us to find ways to make the legislature work harder. Thus, the administration and the ruling party are searching ways to keep the National Assembly open 24/7.”

Under the current law, the regular session starts on Sept. 1 each year, and can last up to 100 days, and, upon a special cause, an interim session not exceeding 30 days can be convened, leaving the rest of the year adjourned.

Presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan previously told the press on Friday after President Lee and GNP leader Kang Jae-sup met together, “People want to see the National Assembly reformed, and we have to set forth a new model. In other countries, notices are posted only when the legislative bodies are to be out of session. On the contrary, strangely enough, all we can see in our country is the notices about when the parliament will be in session.”

His comments indicated that the president and Kang share the need to open it all year round.

A source at the presidential office said, “Nothing has yet to be determined. But it might be a good idea to keep the legislature open seven days a week, except during summer and winter breaks. Of course, we have to amend the current law.”

In addition, President Lee is also reportedly considering a 24/7 channel of communication with the opposition leaders to boost bipartisan cooperation.

Another Cheong Wa Dae official said, “President Lee has repeatedly stressed the need to reform our so-called "Yeouido" politics. Practices, customs and logic of old day politics will no longer apply to the inter- and intra-party affairs. The president will make strides far wider than expected.”

The official added, “We will maintain a regular, 24/7 dialogue mechanism with the opposition parties to set forth a cooperative, bipartisan political model.”

Recent moves by President Lee to beef up the Cheong Wa Dae political affairs division seem to have been directed in the same direction.

mhpark@donga.com