The People Power Party has been unable to appoint a Policy Chair for two months. After concluding a boycott of the standing committee, the party is now facing challenges in finding a candidate for a position that plays a crucial role in gaining a policy advantage while continuing its legislative battles.
According to political sources on August 5, the Policy Chair position has been vacant since Jeong Jeom-sik resigned on June 5 to run for the party's floor leader.
The Policy Chair, along with the floor leader and the secretary general, is one of the three key roles in the party, responsible for coordinating and discussing party policies and reviewing government policies to propose alternatives. Despite being a significant position within the party, the People Power Party is reportedly struggling to find a new Policy Chair due to various practical factors both inside and outside the party.
The main obstacle is the limited influence of the Policy Chair, given that the party is currently in opposition. While the ruling party's Policy Chair can oversee and coordinate discussions between the party and the government, the likelihood of the government adopting policies proposed by the opposition is low. As a result, some analysts suggest that senior opposition lawmakers might find it more reasonable to take on the role of standing committee chair, where they can exert influence within their respective ministries.
Additionally, the fact that the Policy Chair is an ex-officio member of the Supreme Council means that candidates must be considered carefully. Traditionally, the position is held by lawmakers with three to four terms in office. The previous Policy Chair, Jeong Jeom-sik, was a three-term lawmaker, while his predecessor, Kim Do-eup, was a four-term lawmaker. In the ruling Democratic Party, a four-term lawmaker, Han Jeong-ae, currently holds the Policy Chair position.
Internal party dynamics may also be negatively impacting the selection of a new Policy Chair. There are various interpretations suggesting that there has been a lack of consensus between party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and floor leader Jeong, or that taking on a significant role under the 'Jang Dong-hyuk regime' may be seen as burdensome. The limited pool of candidates and the current unattractiveness of the Policy Chair position are contributing to the ongoing difficulties in filling the role.
However, as the second half of the National Assembly's composition is finalized and standing committees begin their operations, there is increasing pressure to expedite the appointment of a Policy Chair. With recent fluctuations in the stock market, amendments to criminal procedure laws, and the announcement of tax reform proposals, various issues requiring legislative action are emerging, highlighting the need for a complete party leadership to respond effectively.
One party lawmaker stated, "Having a Policy Chair is beneficial for policy responses, and there aren't many options left if we exclude those who have already served as Policy Chair or are currently standing committee chairs."
Meanwhile, the Policy Chair of the People Power Party is appointed after the party leader and floor leader consult and designate a single candidate, which is then approved by a general assembly of lawmakers. The term lasts for one year.
According to political sources on August 5, the Policy Chair position has been vacant since Jeong Jeom-sik resigned on June 5 to run for the party's floor leader.
The Policy Chair, along with the floor leader and the secretary general, is one of the three key roles in the party, responsible for coordinating and discussing party policies and reviewing government policies to propose alternatives. Despite being a significant position within the party, the People Power Party is reportedly struggling to find a new Policy Chair due to various practical factors both inside and outside the party.
The main obstacle is the limited influence of the Policy Chair, given that the party is currently in opposition. While the ruling party's Policy Chair can oversee and coordinate discussions between the party and the government, the likelihood of the government adopting policies proposed by the opposition is low. As a result, some analysts suggest that senior opposition lawmakers might find it more reasonable to take on the role of standing committee chair, where they can exert influence within their respective ministries.
Additionally, the fact that the Policy Chair is an ex-officio member of the Supreme Council means that candidates must be considered carefully. Traditionally, the position is held by lawmakers with three to four terms in office. The previous Policy Chair, Jeong Jeom-sik, was a three-term lawmaker, while his predecessor, Kim Do-eup, was a four-term lawmaker. In the ruling Democratic Party, a four-term lawmaker, Han Jeong-ae, currently holds the Policy Chair position.
Internal party dynamics may also be negatively impacting the selection of a new Policy Chair. There are various interpretations suggesting that there has been a lack of consensus between party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and floor leader Jeong, or that taking on a significant role under the 'Jang Dong-hyuk regime' may be seen as burdensome. The limited pool of candidates and the current unattractiveness of the Policy Chair position are contributing to the ongoing difficulties in filling the role.
However, as the second half of the National Assembly's composition is finalized and standing committees begin their operations, there is increasing pressure to expedite the appointment of a Policy Chair. With recent fluctuations in the stock market, amendments to criminal procedure laws, and the announcement of tax reform proposals, various issues requiring legislative action are emerging, highlighting the need for a complete party leadership to respond effectively.
One party lawmaker stated, "Having a Policy Chair is beneficial for policy responses, and there aren't many options left if we exclude those who have already served as Policy Chair or are currently standing committee chairs."
Meanwhile, the Policy Chair of the People Power Party is appointed after the party leader and floor leader consult and designate a single candidate, which is then approved by a general assembly of lawmakers. The term lasts for one year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.