hankyoreh

The Unified Progressive Party’s special committee for renewal released a list of planned reform efforts yesterday. They focus on three areas: ending factional dominance in the party, reforming progressive values, and establishing a focus on labor values. They will need to be approved within the party to be implemented, but we hope the party can renew itself and bring positive change to progressive politics.
One thing that stands out in the plan is the proposal for a forward-thinking reexamination of the country’s North Korea policy, alliance with the US, and conglomerate policy. The committee said that progressives are “opposed to the human rights situation, hereditary transfer of power, and nuclear program in North Korea.” It also said, “There is no need to fear that a basic expression of position will lead to a breakdown in inter-Korean relations, and North Korea should recognize this as a diplomatic reality.” These are on-point observations. Viewing Pyongyang as a party to diplomatic negotiations is a separate matter from one’s basic position on North Korea. A progressive party that seeks to ensure universal human rights should first make its Pyongyang policy clear to the public.
Regarding the alliance with the US, the committee said, “We should heed observations advising us to take a new view on the building of a peace regime in Northeast Asia and a subsequent role for the South Korea-US alliance and US military in South Korea.” This seems to suggest that we should take note of the idea that the United States Forces Korea might serve as a kind of safety valve in maintaining peace in the region. Since the UPP charter argues for the withdrawal of US forces, this proposal will need to be followed by productive discussions within the party.
The committee also raised questions about current calls for dismantling chaebol. The report said, “We need to prepare to respond confidently to questions about whether plans to dissolve chaebol are realistic, and whether chaebol should be dismantled or reformed and controlled appropriately as corporate groups.”
Also warranting serious consideration are plans to end factional dominance in the party, which include a faction registration system, citizen elections, and the abolition of proportional representation elections. To stay connected with labor, swift action is also needed on the establishment of a temporary employment headquarters and locally based labor network. A progressive party that is estranged from labor has no reason for being.
The fate of this plan is closely linked with the makeup of the party’s new leadership, which is to be selected at a convention late this month. More than anything else, the people running for these positions will need to clearly state their position on its terms. The convention should be a forum for productive discussions on reform, not factional squabbling.
　
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