Hong Joon-pyo: Cho Jeong-sik's amendment remarks rash, could lead to long-term rule

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has sharply criticized National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik's recent comments regarding a constitutional amendment to extend the presidential term.

“

Cho Jeong-sik's remarks on extending the presidential term being subject to the people's will are not only very wrong but also extremely rash comments from the head of the legislative branch.

Hong described Cho's remarks as "very rash" and inappropriate for the speaker of the legislature. He suggested that Cho's stance, which implied that extending the presidential term could be subject to the "people's will," was a misstep. Hong also recalled Cho's past as a presidential special aide, implying his current position and actions were questionable from the outset.

“

Cho Jeong-sik's presidential special aide resigning and then running for National Assembly speaker was a wrong move from the start.

Furthermore, Hong pointed to potential legal loopholes in amending the constitution, referencing Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the current constitution, which states that a president in office cannot benefit from a constitutional amendment. He argued that Cho's apparent disregard for this provision, by suggesting even this clause could be subject to amendment, reveals an intention to facilitate long-term rule.

“

He did not even properly understand the anti-dictatorship clause in Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the current constitution.

Hong's strong reaction underscores the deep political divisions in South Korea regarding constitutional reform and presidential power. The debate over term limits and potential extensions remains a sensitive issue, often fueling political conflict.

“

To say that even that can be subject to amendment implies a wrong perception that a term extension amendment is possible, opening the path for a constitutional amendment aimed at long-term rule, doesn't it?