Jung Cheong-rae proposes party-wide debate on merger

[Financial News] On the 4th, Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Cheong-rae proposed holding debates not only among party lawmakers but also with rank-and-file members, as well as conducting a party-wide opinion survey on a possible merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party.
At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Jung said, "Lawmakers at various levels are proposing debates and discussion sessions on the merger," adding, "We will set the schedule and proceed as you have suggested."
Jung went on, "The entire merger process depends on the will of our party members. I believe the full debates should be broadcast live, and party members should be able to watch the process." He added, "However, I hear that lawmakers are reluctant to make the entire process public, so if they prefer it to be closed-door, I am prepared to accommodate that as they wish."
Jung also noted, "In principle, whether to proceed with a merger is decided by a vote of all party members just before the party convention or a meeting of the authorized body, the Central Committee." He continued, "Even before that stage, I am considering an opinion survey of all members. I will discuss this idea with the party leadership."
His remarks are seen as an expression of his intention to address the long-standing criticism within the party over a lack of communication. When Jung abruptly proposed a merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party on the 22nd of last month, many party members protested, calling it a "unilateral decision" made without sufficient deliberation.

jiwon.song@fnnews.com Song Ji-won Reporter