Rep. Chung Sye-kyun
Democratic Party chairman |
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Chairman Chung Sye-kyun of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) indicated Sunday a possible change in the liberal party's long-standing position on major policy issues ― if that is what it takes for his party to gain more support from the public.
His announcement signaled major shifts in the DP's positions on education, welfare, economic policies and labor to better prepare for local elections slated for next June.
The liberal party has long stood by workers, women and socially underprivileged people and called for spending more on the social safety net and equal opportunities in education for children from low-income families.
In the wake of the DP's winning three parliamentary seats out of five up for grabs in the Oct. 28 by-elections, Chung was buoyant and said his party would not stick to its traditional stances, which it had maintained over the past 10 years while the liberal party was a ruling one.
``From now on, you will see that bold changes will come from me as well as the DP,'' he told reporters at the party's headquarters in Seoul.
The DP chairman said changes will come not only in his policy visions but also his leadership.
``I will go anywhere to search for talent that can play a pivotal role in leading a paradigm shift for our party,'' he said.
When it comes to the DP's efforts to reform the party, it has zigzagged.
The term ``change'' became a political slogan for the main opposition party after Chung rose to assume the DP leadership position last year.
Chung came up with the motto, ``Strong DP'' during the leadership competition as it marked poor approval ratings in polls.
To make the motto work, he mandated an in-house vision committee chaired by Rep. Kim Hyo-seuk to chart a strategy and action plan.
Months later, Rep. Kim made public a few measures for the New DP plan, including a pro-market stance similar to the conservative ruling Grand National Party, that the committee planned to recommend for the liberal party.
The controversial plan met with criticism from within and the backlash delayed the committee coming up with a final version. The DP's rating stood at a record low.
A twist was made in the DP's sweeping march toward change after former President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide while prosecutors investigated a bribery scandal involving him and his family.
Public mourning over the death of the former liberal President followed, and this played a role in boosting the DP's support to over 20 percent.
Witnessing the Roh effect, DP Chairman Chung committed to following the liberal President's legacies in major policy areas, indicating that his party would keep working for labor, gender equality, and socially underprivileged people.
Another twist in the party's push for change came after it became the de facto winner of last week's by-elections, in an apparent move to balance the DP's card early to woo moderate and swing voters for next year's crucial elections.
hkang@koreatimes.co.kr
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