The head of South Korea’s ruling Saenuri Party said Thursday he expects an “outpouring” of political debate on a possible revision of the Constitution later this year when the ongoing regular session of the National Assembly ends.
The remarks by Kim Moo-sung are expected to create a political storm because President Park Geun-hye has opposed calls to revise the Constitution, a sensitive issue that could change the power structure in South Korea where power is concentrated heavily in the president.
South Korea’s National Assembly started its 100-day regular session on Sept. 1.
“When the regular session of the National Assembly ends, an outpouring of debate on the constitutional reform is expected,” Kim told reporters at the end of his four-day visit to China.
Kim also hinted that a president could give some power to a prime minister, which is a largely ceremonial position, citing an example of Austrian politics.
Forming a “semi-presidential system” would stabilize the society because it allows politicians to find a “neutral zone,” Kim said.
It refers to a system of government in which a popularly elected president, as the head of state, is in charge of diplomacy, national defense and other external policies, while a prime minister handles domestic affairs and is responsible to the legislature.
Woo Yoon-keun, the new floor leader of the main opposition party, the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, welcomed Kim’s remarks.
“The (single-term presidency) system introduced in 1987 seems to be obsolete,” Woo told Yonhap News Agency by phone. “As a majority of lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties agree on a constitutional revision, now is the time to make a political decision.”
South Korea introduced the single-term presidency in 1987 after decades of autocratic rule by military-backed presidents. The system was primarily aimed at keeping the president from attempting to hold on to power through illicit means.
Park has voiced opposition to the idea of discussing a constitutional revision, noting that the National Assembly should focus on bills aimed at reviving the slumping economy.
Park’s single five-year term ends in early 2018, and by law, she cannot seek re-election. (Yonhap)
