Negotiation Bloc Strategy? Won Yoo-chul Pushing for Term Extension... Critical Juncture on the 15th

by Kim Hye Min

Published 14 May.2020 11:38(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Won Yoo-chul, leader of the Future Korea Party, declared a 'term extension push' before full-scale merger talks with the United Future Party began. The reason given is that it is physically difficult to merge with the United Future Party by the 29th, when the term ends, but there is also analysis that this is effectively choosing an independent path.

The Korea Party leadership is pushing for a party constitution amendment to extend the terms of the leadership, including Leader Won, at the party convention on the 19th. Spokesperson Jo Su-jin said on the 14th, "What is clear in the party constitution is that the current leadership's term is until May 29," adding, "If the merger is completed before then, there is no need to amend the party constitution, but if asked whether we are 100% confident at this point, honestly, it is difficult to answer." This means they want to prevent a leadership vacancy that would occur if the 21st National Assembly opens in the current state.

However, inside and outside the political circle, it is seen as effectively taking independent action. Leader Won draws a line at forming a negotiation group but is said to ultimately try to create a negotiation group through recruiting independents or merging with the Party of 국민의당 (Gukminui Party) to exert influence. When the 21st National Assembly opens on the 30th of this month and the Speaker of the National Assembly is elected on the 5th of next month, discussions on forming standing committees will immediately surface. Standing committee chairs are divided through negotiations among parties with negotiation groups. The formation of committees is also the subject of future negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties regarding legislation. The party leadership emphasizes that the term extension is a realistic measure considering the United Future Party's situation, but it can also be read as a preparatory step for negotiation group work.

However, the United Future Party expresses reluctance, saying there was no prior consultation. Previously, senior United Future Party lawmakers gathered and agreed that "a swift merger is the will of the people." Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, also said, "The public perceives us as the same party. I know many in the Korea Party also think we should merge," adding, "(The merger) is better the sooner it happens." A United Future Party official said, "It is not the majority view that a merger within May is difficult," and "Floor Leader Joo Ho-young and Leader Won Yoo-chul will meet soon to reach a conclusion."

Within the Korea Party, there are concerns that the leadership is acting unilaterally. A party official said, "I think it is a personal opinion. It is a matter to decide after gathering the opinions of all elected members and party officials." A Korea Party elected member said in a phone call, "I agree with the intention," but added, "In the end, we have to merge. We will follow the results of discussions with the United Future Party."

The Korea Party will hold a meeting of elected members at 10 a.m. on the 15th to decide on the term extension. Spokesperson Jo said, "We will listen to the discussion process between Floor Leader Joo and Leader Won and finalize details such as whether to hold the schedule on the 19th and, if so, what and how to proceed."