Lee Myung-bak Initiates Revamping GNP

Grand National Party presidential candidate Lee Myung-bak said yesterday, “Running a political party as a CEO does for his business is a global trend.” On Aug. 21, he attended his first party meeting since the winning the GNP’s primary election. At the meeting, he called on the party to revamp itself ideologically and functionally. His remarks indicate he would bring in sweeping changes to the conservative party in line with his political views and approach.

The GNP presidential nominee said at his office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Wednesday, “It is rare to find a political party that is too large and yet so redundant anywhere in the world.” His remarks clearly suggest the framework for reforming the party; The party`s leadership must be upheld, which means the party system will not follow the traditional political structure; reform must adhere to a “more streamlined and energetic operation.”

He added, “I prefer to see a person bring change himself, instead of replacing him with another. When I was mayor, I didn’t lay off anyone.” He seemed to remain cautious that his reform drive would be seen as any sign of reshaping the party’s leadership. After he suggested revamping the right-wing party on Tuesday, he was deluged with questions asking if he intends to reshape the party in the run up to the presidential election. It seemed as if his remarks could undermine the party’s reconciliation.

“It is unlikely for the party to carry out another reshaping since the GNP had already undergone a major change in 2004,” said Jeong Du-eon, a representative from the Lee camp. In 2004, the Grand National Party made drastic staff cuts, reducing its membership to 200 from a previous 300. The Lee camp’s election campaigners, including Jeong, stated that looking back into the past reform measures the former mayor took will provide a good grasp into the current revamping scheme he intends to implement now.

To begin with, the Grand National Party is expected to arrange flexible manpower in each organization. Lee Myung-bak replaced Seoul city’s 250 traffic officers with non-traffic related officers in the preparation for reforming bus lines upon taking office. In an interview with Dong-A in July 2005, Lee said he took that measure in order to bring the control over bus lines from the transport companies to the municipal government. To that end, the city officials should have no relation with the bus companies.”

Some say he will maximize the effectiveness of management of the party by encouraging competition among party staff. Jeong said, following his taking office, some brought up the issue of seeking political purges, but the former mayor refused to listen to their arguments. Rather, he pursued more cooperation by giving them work.” The GNP presidential candidate said on Wednesday, “When I was Seoul city mayor, more manpower was needed due to increased workload, but I didn’t increase the number of public officials. Instead, I handled the issue through enhancing work efficiency.”

ddr@donga.com