The Opposition, Induces Collective Leadership System, Pacifies Internal Friction

Lee Hoi-chang, President of Grand National Party (GNP) stated on 26th that he would abolish the leader post and induce collective leadership system in the party convention to be held in May, in which members of supreme council would manage the party.

President Lee declared that he won`t run for the primary of supreme council.

As President Lee accepted induction of collective leadership system before major elections, which non main stream in the party has been demanding, internal friction of GNP that was pursuing for a long time is likely to settle down.

President Lee would start full-scale preparation for major elections with this, whereas the political situation is predicted to run up to sudden major elections along with the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP`s) Presidential primary race.

Presidential Lee held urgent press conference at GNP building in Youido, Seoul and suggested to transform into collective leadership system in order to respond to people`s hope.

He said, ¡°I have no self-interest and no mind to think about the leadership¡° and ¡°I am willing to throw everything in order to change current corrupted and powerless politics and give stability and hopeful tomorrow to people.¡°

He also said, ¡°I will withdraw from the leadership position and name acting President soon¡° and, ¡° if emergency management committee, which is formed following a mass resignation of vice presidents, decide concrete measures for inducing collective leadership system, I will fully follow it¡°.

The leader Lee clarified previous stance repeatedly on the close rumor, saying, ¡°whether someone is close or a close junior, unfair primary is not acceptable and to advise negatively to some candidate is also out of leader`s right¡°.

Kim Duk-Ryong and Hong Sa-Duk side who has been demanding collective leadership system, said about press conference of president Lee, ¡°we will express our stance till 27th¡°.

issong@donga.com