ED Good luck to Rep. Shim
New LKP floor leader should pursue new politics
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) has elected five-term lawmaker Shim Jae-chul, a former journalist, as its new floor leader. Kim Jae-won, a three-term lawmaker, was also elected as the party's new policy chief.
Expectations are high that their elevation to the LKP leadership will bring about positive change in how the party deals with the ruling party. Given the all-or-nothing reckless approach of Shim's predecessor, Rep. Na Kyung-won, has contributed to the current political deadlock and that time is running out for a compromise on crucial reform bills, the change of important position holders could not come at a better time.
The first thing Shim did after being elected Monday was to meet with his counterparts from other major parties ― a meeting arranged by National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang. There, Shim agreed to withdraw a filibuster so the Assembly could convene a plenary session to pass non-contentious bills. In response, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea promised not to push for votes on the fast-tracked bills on electoral and prosecution reform, which the LKP has strongly opposed, for some time. The agreement was possible mainly because the new LKP floor leader acted on the golden rule of political compromise: “I save your face, you save my face.”
The next day, the Assembly passed some of the 239 pending bills, including the one named after a boy recently killed by a speeding car in a school zone. The bill mandates that surveillance cameras must be installed in school zones to prevent speeding, and toughens the punishment of drivers responsible for fatal accidents in such areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the rival parties were also holding last-minute negotiations to narrow differences on the government budget for next year to secure its passage in the plenary session.
What is happening in the Assembly is pretty impressive, although partisan fights can be reignited any time over the fast-tracked reform bills ― and over the general election scheduled for April next year. Rep. Shim deserves praise for this “truce.”
In fact, he has maintained a hard-line stance on the Moon Jae-in administration's key policies, like any other LKP members. In September, Shim had his head shaved, together with other LKP lawmakers, to protest Moon's appointment of Cho Kuk as justice minister despite growing corruption allegations surrounding him and his family. In a victory speech, Shim harshly criticized Moon and the ruling party for “ruining” the country, but suggested a flexible approach to obtain what he wants.
One of his big merits ― and possibly demerits ― is that he has distanced himself from LKP Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn and other members who are considered loyalists of impeached former President Park Geun-hye. This gives him more room to cooperate with the rival parties, but could be a double-edged sword in the LKP inner circle. Good luck to Shim.