GNP turmoil deepens over reform

The Grand National Party is sinking further into turmoil after reformist members threatened to leave if the party did not disband and start anew, possibly without President Lee Myung-bak.

In their meeting Tuesday, lawmakers of the conservative ruling group debated how far they should push reforms to win back the public’s confidence ahead of two crucial elections next year.

The discord came a day after they agreed to ask Park Geun-hye, the party’s former chairwoman, to lead them out of the political wilderness and prepare for the April general election. Under their agreement, Park will head an emergency leadership council, which will take the party into the April elections. 

“The GNP has completely lost the public’s trust. Under the GNP, we stand no chance of winning the parliamentary and presidential elections,” Rep. Chung Doo-un, an outspoken reformer, said, stating the need for disbandment and creation of a new political party.

“There are quite a few lawmakers who share the view with me that we can’t just stay (under the GNP), if the party is not recreated,” he added.

The GNP has suffered a series of by-election defeats, corruption scandals and a devastating cyber attack scandal. Its former chairman Rep. Hong Joon-pyo resigned Friday, as a sense of crisis deepened among its members that the conservative party, in its current form and with ties to an unpopular president, will be crushed by a resurgent opposition.

Those royal to Rep. Park, however, opposed to the push to disband the party and create a new group, saying it is nothing but a tactic aimed at limiting Park’s role and influence as interim chief.

“What they are saying is the former chairperson Park should just prepare for the launch of a new party,” Rep. Huh Tae-yeol told a radio program. “Rep. Park should be able to decide whether to recreate the party, as she takes steps to reform the party, as head of the emergency leadership committee,” he said.

Some senior members also expressed reservations.

“Once we have decided to have Rep. Park as our chief, it is best to let her decide what’s best for the party,” Rep. Hong Sa-duk.

Rep. Park, as usual, kept mum on the issue.

She did not attend the general meeting of lawmakers.

Those close to her said she was unfavorable toward disbanding the GNP.

By Lee Sun-young
(milaya@heraldcorp.com)