Lawmaker critical of Park for constitutional change remarks

By Kim Hyo-jin

Rep. Lee Jae-oh of the ruling Saenuri party accused President Park Geun-hye of abusing her power to discourage lawmakers from discussing constitutional reform.

“The President has repeatedly said the priority should be put on reviving the economy, and a constitutional change is not urgent. It appears that she is abusing her power and causing the debate to be stalled,” Lee said during a radio interview with broadcaster KBS, Friday.

Rep. Lee, who once called President Park the daughter of a dictator when she was a ruling party lawmaker, blamed Park for the hold up.

“As she stresses that discussion of constitutional revision would get in the way of boosting the economy, the ruling party sits on its hands regarding the issue.”

The debate over constitutional reform resurfaced in the National Assembly last year following the power struggle between Park’s aides. Those who support changing the Constitution say the President yields too much power under the current system and can be tempted to abuse their preeminent position.

Rep. Lee, a five-term lawmaker close to former President Lee Myung-bak, has been a strong supporter of constitutional reform. President Park in contrast remains opposed to such calls.

In a recent radio interview, Lee rebutted Park’s argument that a debate over constitutional reforms is not timely.

During the National Assembly plenary session on Wednesday, Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo reaffirmed that there has been no change in the Park administration's stance on the issue.