‘Discussions over constitutional amendment could unfold soon`

Kim Moo-sung, chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party, noted that discussions over constitutional amendment will pick up momentum in earnest after the current regular session of the National Assembly, saying, “Discussions will unfold uncontrollably en masse,” causing a stir. Despite President Park Geun-hye having expressed opposition to discussions over constitutional amendment, the ruling party chief has effectively stated that discussions over constitutional amendment will inevitably perk up in earnest.

At a press meeting in Shanghai on Thursday, the last day of his China tour, Kim commented on constitutional amendment. “After the regular parliamentary session, discussions will unfold uncontrollably en masse, and there will be no way to block it," Kim said. “The closer the (next) presidential election, the more difficult (constitutional amendment) will be." He implied that discussions over constitutional amendment should be done sooner rather than later. He added, though, “The argument that if debate over constitutional amendment starts, efforts to shore up the economy will be interrupted has a point.”

Earlier, at a meeting of senior presidential secretaries on October 6, President Park commented on debate over constitutional amendment, saying, “It will become a Black Hole sucking up economy,” thus reiterating her objection. It is the first time that Kim has expressed his view on constitutional amendment after the president’s remarks.

“I remember that majority of countries would adopt the two-term four-year presidential system, and recently the Austrian style semi-presidential system seems to be emerging,” Kim talked about the specific direction of constitutional amendment. “Now, allowing a neutral area and embracing a coalition government could help stabilize society.” In this system, the president who is elected through a public vote takes charges of diplomacy and national security, and the prime minister elected by the National Assembly holds responsibility for home administration.

Min Kyung-wook, senior presidential press secretary who is accompanying President Park on her tour to Italy, said, “I have nothing to say,” thus avoiding specific comments on controversy over constitutional amendment.

The opposition party welcomed Kim’s remarks. Woo Yoon-geun, floor leader of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, said, “Constitutional amendment requires immediate decision, which cannot be postponed, given that the 1987 system has seen its lifespan expire, and half of the ruling and opposition party lawmakers agree on it.”

Kim completed his four-day tour to China and returned home on Thursday, when he visited the building of the former Korean government-in-exile in Shanghai, and held a meeting with Koreans and Korean entrepreneurs there.