Progressive Four Parties: "Democratic Party-People Power Alliance of Vested Interests... The End Is Always the Judgment of the People"

Backlash Against Partial Introduction of Multi-Member Constituencies in Metropolitan Councils
People Power Party Rejects Reform, Democratic Party Merely Follows

The four progressive parties—the National Innovation Party, the Progressive Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Basic Income Party—criticized the Democratic Party and the People Power Party on the 17th for agreeing to increase the number of proportional representatives in metropolitan councils and to partially introduce a multi-member constituency system for metropolitan councilors in Gwangju, calling it an “alliance of vested interests.”

Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Party for National Innovation, is shouting slogans with Han Changmin, leader of the Social Democratic Party, and Son Sol, a member of the Progressive Party, before starting the three steps one bow of political reform at the tent protest site for political reform in front of the National Assembly main building on the 26th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Innovation Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly that day and said, “The two parties, which have repeatedly clashed over prosecution and judicial reform bills, always stand together when it comes to political reform. They must remember that whenever those in power, under the guise of reform, indulge in the greed of vested interests, the only end is the stern judgment of the people.”

Han Changmin, leader of the Social Democratic Party, stated, “How much longer does the Democratic Party intend to maintain its status as a major party with this kind of politics? They should take a broader perspective in politics. If they truly understood how much former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Dae-jung struggled for democracy, they would not dare to do such things.”

They further criticized, “The People Power Party refuses reform, and the Democratic Party is dragged along without resisting. The return of money politics and local party chapters is what we are witnessing.”

On this day, the Democratic Party and the People Power Party agreed to designate four districts—Dongnam-gap, Buk-gap, Buk-eul, and Gwangsan-eul in Gwangju—as multi-member constituencies for the June 3 local elections for metropolitan councilors, and to increase the number of proportional representatives in metropolitan councils. They also agreed that individuals outside the National Assembly may operate the offices of party member councils or regional committees, which serve as the local sub-organizations of political parties.

Previously, the four progressive parties had demanded that the proportion of proportional representatives in metropolitan councils be expanded to at least 20 percent, but this was not accepted. They view the designation of four multi-member constituencies—introduced only in areas where the Democratic Party is dominant—as unlikely to bring about any substantial change.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.