Newly Elected Democratic Lawmakers Emphasize Need for Coalition Politics

Newly elected lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea expressed their agreement on the necessity of expanding their base to regain power, emphasizing the concept of a 'structural majority' and the importance of coalition politics. While the party leadership is also pursuing a centrist expansion, voices prioritizing the consolidation of traditional support bases, including author Yoo Si-min, suggest that internal conflicts over party direction may intensify.

The Democratic Party's freshman lawmakers group, known as 'DeMinCho,' and the Democratic Research Institute held a forum on November 2 at the National Assembly titled 'The Victory of Brazil's Lula and the Path of Structural Majority.' Approximately 20 lawmakers, including forum chairperson Lee Yeon-hee, attended the event.

Representative Kang Deuk-gu, head of the Democratic Research Institute, argued that while the historical contexts differ, there are commonalities in the implications of President Lee Jae-myung, former President Roh Moo-hyun, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He noted, 'The dramatic victory of President Lula was due to the successful consolidation of traditional support bases and the unification of opposing forces, along with the significant role of online campaigning.'

Representative Ahn Tae-jun, who leads DeMinCho, remarked, 'President Lula's election carries a political narrative that combines elements of both former Presidents Roh and Lee,' raising questions about how to gain and broaden public support amid deep political divisions.

Park Jeong, chair of the Korea-Brazil Parliamentary Friendship Association, highlighted 'solidarity, coalition, and practical approaches' as key factors behind Lula's victory. He emphasized the importance of the coalition formed by ten parties, even including rival figures in key positions, stating, 'The pragmatic policies aimed at vulnerable groups, such as small business owners and self-employed individuals, were crucial for achieving victory and establishing a structural majority.'

Lee Yeon-hee also expressed agreement on the need for coalition politics to regain power. She pointed out that the consolidation of traditional support bases and expansion efforts have always been contentious issues within the party. She noted, 'Recent remarks by author Yoo Si-min, which disparaged President Lee, are part of this ongoing conflict.'

She added, 'Reflecting on the four Democratic administrations, we see that success came when coalition politics were robust, while failures occurred when such coalitions disbanded. In the recent Brazilian election, achievements in addressing poverty played a significant role in rallying traditional supporters, and running with a previously hostile vice-presidential candidate helped expand the centrist base.'

Previously, President Lee and Representative Kim Min-seok emphasized the need to expand their base toward centrist and conservative groups through the 'structural majority' approach. The newly elected lawmakers appear to support this initiative.

However, there are concerns that ongoing investigations, such as the special prosecutor's inquiry into alleged fabricated charges and the national assembly investigation into Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, may hinder expansion efforts. Representative Kim has shown caution regarding the inquiry into Chief Justice Cho and impeachment, mindful of centrist sentiments, but he seems unable to ignore the demands of the party's hardline supporters. Furthermore, calls for impeachment against Chief Justice Cho from within the party's hardline faction suggest that conflicts over party direction may resurface as the leadership pushes for expansion.