DP to Embrace Pro-Roh Figures
By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
Rep. Chung Sye-kyun, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), vowed to achieve ``unity" within and outside the party and seek ``internal reform."
He also said that the DP's main focus in the coming years will be to secure a victory for the main opposition DP in the 2012 presidential election, which would give Korea a liberal administration once again. President Lee Myung-bak took office in February last year after a decade of liberal governments led by former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.
``The latter part of my leadership will be devoted to laying the groundwork for a successful transition of power from the conservatives," the DP leader said at a news conference to mark his first year in office.
He said that the DP will embrace pro-Roh political forces outside the party, apparently referring to politicians who served in the previous administration as part of its efforts to widen its support base outside its stronghold of the Jeolla region and maintain the party's newfound popularity since Roh's suicide on May 23.
Since then, the DP has seen a surge in public approval ratings. It currently holds 84 of 296 National Assembly seats, while the governing Grand National Party (GNP) has 170 seats.
``It is the people's wish to see us united with pro-Roh figures," Chung, 59, said. ``We will soon launch official discussions to achieve a comprehensive integration of democratic forces."
Also, he suggested that the DP's proportional representation of regions like Gyeongsang Province, traditionally dominated by the GNP, should be institutionalized through enlarging electoral districts.
A four-term lawmaker, Chung also stressed that he will push for legislation to assist people's livelihoods and for reinforcing balanced regional development.
During the past year, Chung has been noted for leading his party to a de facto victory in the April by-elections and to higher approval ratings.
However, some political watchers, the press and the ruling party have blamed the DP and his leadership for delaying the June parliamentary session, leading to a continued social conflict over controversial bills on media ownership and non-regular workers.
``For the past year, the DP has distorted the sincerity of the policies of the governing party. We urge them to renounce their cause for division and conflict and pay more attention to public sentiment," Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun, a GNP spokesperson, said Sunday.
``The DP has conducted itself more like a civic organization, often engaging in anti-government protests. The DP should exercise its responsibility as the largest opposition party, which would be a true first step toward `unity' and `reform,'" Yoon said.
Chung faces tough tasks ahead, including another round of by-elections scheduled for October. His political future will depend on how the DP fares in the local elections in June 2010, political analysts said.