Departing Uri Lawmakers Criticize Roh

Lawmakers who collectively withdrew from the ruling Uri Party set up a floor negotiation group today titled the “Working Group to Support the Formation of a Moderate Reformative New Party” headed by Rep. Choi Yong-gyu. Of the 23 lawmakers who resigned from the Uri Party on February 6, Rep. Woo Yoon-keun did not join this movement, while Rep. Yum dong-yun, who left the party early, agreed to participate. Thus, this negotiation group has 23 lawmakers.

The members plan to establish a new party in May. Rep. Lee Kang-rae said under the condition that it was his personal opinion, that to carry out a proper presidential election campaign in consideration of the national tour plan for open primary, his group should set up a new party by May at the latest.

This working group had a meeting in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province for two days from February 10 to 11 and reached agreements on current pending issues.

In particular, they agreed to reject President Roh’s proposal for a constitutional revision that allows future presidents to serve two four-year terms, and agreed to ask for reviews on real estate policies, including apartment construction price disclosure measures. This shows a clear difference from the Uri Party’s original policy direction.

Rep. Yang Hyung-il, spokesman of the working group, said that, “Even though we are aware of the importance of constitutional revision, we decided that it is desirable not to propose policies that lack public support.”

Yang also said, “In terms of apartment construction price disclosure measures, we agreed that it is necessary to review the policies because it is likely to hinder housing supply plans of civilians. However, we will cooperate with the Uri Party for passing a legislative bill.”

In regard to the Private School Act, the working group maintained the view that they had when belonging to the Uri Party. However, one of working group members said, “Even though it is just my personal opinion, I don’t think it is necessary to follow Uri Party’s proposal if private school foundations have managerial transparency and promise to invite external figures into their operations.”

During a working group workshop, some members criticized the Uri Party for its tendency toward left-wing party policies.

Rep. Lee Kang-rae said, “President Roh is a good presidential candidate. However, people are suspicious about Roh’s eligibility to be a good president,” adding, “Roh is accustomed to aggressive politics with an emphasis on attacking others with different positions, which is only desirable when carrying out an election campaign. There is an improper overlap between campaign strategy and national operation strategy.”

Lee also said that when launching the Uri Party, former Democratic Party Chairman Park Sang-cheon stated that, “I am sure that this party will be a left-wing party.” He added, “While having difficulties in carrying out party constitution revisions after the 17th general election, I was able to understand what Park meant.”

Rep. Yang Hyung-il said that after the 17th general election, President Roh suggested lawmakers sing songs of student movements, including “March for Nation.” I wondered if it was OK at that time. Since then, I followed party’s direction without resistance. It is very regrettable now.”

Rep. Jun Byung-hun also said that, “Whenever we tried to open up to public and ask for pardon, President Roh’s words ruined everything.” Rep. Woo Je-chang also said that, “It is time to draft reform agendas that were made useless by the president.”

tesomiom@donga.com