Reformists in Ruling Party Push to Abolish Party Leader System, Implement Public Nominations

Discussions regarding a restructuring of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) are spreading, with proponents calling for a shift from a member-centric structure to a parliamentary-focused party. As the internal conflict surrounding Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok prolongs, non-factional members are moving beyond calls for resignation to engage in full-fledged debates on structural reform.

The 'Alternative and Future' group, a gathering of reformist faction members within the party, held a breakfast meeting at the National Assembly on the 22nd to discuss strategies for conservative expansion, including the abolition of the party leader system. Rep. Choi Hyeong-woo, who presented the proposal, argued for the separation of nomination and personnel powers from the party leader to dismantle the 'imperial party leader system' in which authority is concentrated in the chairman's hands. Secretary Rep. Lee Seong-kwon stated after the meeting that he would continue to seek ways to reduce the party leader's authority, citing the numerous side effects of such centralization.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon formed a consensus during a meeting on the 21st regarding the abolition of the party leader system and the institutionalization of public nominations. Mayor Oh had previously stated during a lecture at the National Assembly last month that transitioning to a parliamentary-centered party is necessary to reduce unnecessary social conflict.

Conversely, Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won expressed skepticism during a radio interview, noting that proposals to abolish the party leader system were also made during the Park Geun-hye emergency response committee in 2012 but were not adopted. He pointed out realistic barriers, including the need for revisions to the Political Parties Act, party rules, and regulations, as well as potential backlash from the party's hardline supporters over the reduction of member rights.

Floor Leader Jeong Jin-sok is emphasizing a 'people's party' in contrast to Chairman Jang's 'member-centered party.' This stance was reaffirmed during a breakfast meeting with Reformed Party leader Lee Jun-seok on the 21st.