Leading GNP Representatives Promoting Decentralization Amendment

Thirty leading representatives of the Grand National Party, including Rep. Park Hee-tae, the former chairman, and Rep. Yang Jung-gyu, a member of the Permanent Administrative Committee, agreed on December 8 to the normalization of the National Assembly, the adoption of fair policies of public nomination through comprehensive reforms, and the renaming of the party.

They also made a de facto agreement to promote a constitutional amendment to decentralize the power of the president.

The leading representatives, who have been elected more than three times or who served as ministers or vice ministers, met that day at the National Assembly. They discussed the political development of the party and announced a set of proposed reforms.

They suggested that the central party should be cut to one third of its present size and that the party chairman and the floor leader of the Assembly should work at the National Assembly.

They also suggested that the party district chapters be abolished and that the party repay illegal campaign funds by selling the central party building and the training center.

Regarding the sponsorship system, they insisted on abolishing city and provincial branches of sponsor groups, but keeping personal sponsor groups. They also said that the party should publicize the details of fund usage settlements.

In addition, they suggested that public nomination for general elections be made through a national competitive election, with candidates chosen by the public nomination supervisory committee of the central party. They would also set up districts with noncompetitive elections and appoint outside personalities, professionals, and female politicians.

After the meeting, Rep. Yang said, “The leading representatives have formed a consensus that we should promote the constitutional amendment for decentralization of the President’s power. At the end of this month, the representatives will gather once again, and discussion in depth will take place in January next year.”

Myoung-Gun Lee gun43@donga.com