[Editorial] It’s the Ruling Party’s Turn to Change

The National Assembly finally resumed operation after a two-week-long halt. We hope that both the ruling and opposing parties with sincere repentance in mind will put in all their efforts to deliberate economy and public welfare bills and a budget bill for the New Year. No more political maneuvers and time-wasting power games are allowed. Only one month is left in the regular parliamentary session.

The ruling party should be the first to change. When the National Assembly fails to deliver its duties, it is the ruling party that takes the ultimate responsibility for the failure. Also, the Uri party must stop pushing for the controversial four reform bills, especially when the majority of Korean people oppose them and even their constitutionality is questioned. If responsible enough, the ruling party must first care about the negative side effects and repercussions that could occur after those bills are railroaded through.

The bill on private schools includes measures regarding the open board of trustees, allowing a deliberative role to school steering committees, and transforming school organizations into legislation bodies, which have been vehemently opposed due to their likely unconstitutionality. Also, the press-related bill has been considered one of the most absurd bills ever. About matters regarding the market-dominant business of press agencies, even the interpretation of the bill is conflicting between the party and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. There exist many problems as well in the abolition of the National Security Law, supplementary proposals for the criminal law, and bills to review the nation’s history.

When opinions conflict, it is the ruling party’s job to make revisions through sufficient negotiations with the opposing parties. Now that the Grand National party (GNP) plans to suggest alternatives to each bill, getting together to find answers is necessary. This is not something that can be done by the deadline just by pushing for it. Inserting them in the fifty bills for public wealth like “product tie-ins” and passing them are not fair either. It is highly likely that other economy and welfare bills will not be passed. As Uri Party Chairman Lee Bu-young pointed out, first dealing with public welfare bills strongly supported by people can be an option. Reforms need consistent efforts like building blocks. When the party appears impatient for reforms and they accomplish their jobs, it will be hard to expect the proper acknowledgment from the people.

“People are crying out for help, and the ruling party is only concerned about passing the four reform bills. Setting people’s needs aside and sticking to their own ideals, now they feel no shame in pursuing their self-righteousness, egocentricity, and anti-democratic behavior,” Father Jeong Ui-chae harshly criticized. The party members must listen to the father’s bitter words.