MDP readying plan for new party, image in fall launch

Home > National > Politics

print dictionary print

MDP readying plan for new party, image in fall launch

The Millennium Democratic Party will organize a new party before closing the present one and then merge the two, speedily forming a fresh party identity, MDP members said.

MDP chairman Hahn Hwa-kap and Park Sang-cheon, a member of the Supreme Council, said that complications involving government subsidies and the succession of National Assembly members elected from the national constituency might arise if the MDP dissolved right away to give way for a new party. Party executives will launch full-scale preparations for a new party this week.

MDP members named Kim Won-gil, former MDP floor leader, as chairman of the party committee to promote the establishment of the new party.

The MDP wants high-profile party outsiders such as Park Geun-hye, chairman of the Korean Coalition for the Future, Chung Mong-joon, an independent lawmaker, and Lee Han-dong, the former prime minister, to join the new party.

"The new party will be launched before the end of October," said Mr. Hahn, the MDP Chairman. Party executives said that 50 percent of the new party's launching committee would be allotted for party outsiders.

Ms. Park said Saturday that she would join the new party if it concentrates its efforts on reforming political parties and puts national interests above all other priorities.

"I may join the new party's primary if the party principles are compatible with my convictions," said Ms. Park. She also said that the new party might win the presidential election if it shows a will to renovate.

Political observers said that MDP members are considering merging the minor United Liberal Democrats and the Democratic People's Party.

The new party would aim to eradicate corruption, overcome regionalism and pursue moderate-reform policies, according to MDP members.

Kim Won-gil said that anyone who agrees with the policy line is free to join. He said nonparty members should participate in the primary to select the presidential candidate.

by Choi Hoon, Kang Min-seok

Log in to Twitter or Facebook account to connect
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
help-image Social comment?
s
lock icon

To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.

Standards Board Policy (0/250자)