MDP party chair resigns

Hahn Hwa-kap, chairman of the Millennium Democratic Party, yesterday quit his post. “I am resigning to give opportunity to the new generation to contribute to the party,” Mr. Hahn said. “I sincerely hope my resignation will enable the party to overcome division and confrontation, allowing the Roh Moo-hyun administration to bring successful reforms and promote national solidarity.”
Representative Chyung Dai-chul will serve as acting chairman. Talks to choose a new leadership will take place Thursday.
The MDP has been embroiled in a power struggle since its election victory Dec. 19. Followers of President-elect Roh Moo-hyun have demanded that Mr. Hahn, leader of the Donggyo-dong faction loyal to the outgoing President Kim Dae-jung, step down. The emerging faction of young, reform-minded lawmakers has labeled the old guard a symbol of “old politics.”
Mr. Hahn and Mr. Roh were at odds during the election campaign over management of the party’s financial affairs. Mr. Hahn assailed the incoming faction “despotic,” but ultimately yielded to the pressure.
Mr. Hahn expressed his “deepest regret” over the party’s discord despite its unlikely election victory. He said that reform should not be handled by only a few persons and that the aims of the reforms must be clear. He said he would visit China and Japan next month, and would write an autobiography after he returns from the trip.
Party sources said Chung Kyun-hwan, the MDP floor leader and another leader of the old guard, is expected to resign after tomorrow’s inauguration. The withdrawal of the old guard has provided the opportunity for Kim One-ki, Mr. Roh’s political adviser, and Mr. Chyung to assume control of the party, accelerating party reforms.
At Thursday’s executive party meeting, the incoming faction will map out a reform program outlined by the party’s special reform committee. It includes streamlining the management of local party branches. An interim leadership replacing the current supreme council will be organized to lead the party until next year’s party convention. Chun Jung-bae, an MDP representative, said it is the mission of the interim leadership to complete party reforms.
But it is unclear whether supreme council members will resign simultaneously to pave way for the interim leadership. Several members refused to resign and there is no party regulation that could force out a member selected by the party convention.

by Lee Sang-il