Sim Dae Pyeong, governor of South Chungcheong province, has left the United Liberal Democrats (ULD). The move his leading to discussion about creating a so-called " conservative party for the central region" by politicians from the Chungcheong region.
There can of course be such talk at a time when the conservative press has been expressing growing doubts about the Grand National Party's (GNP) ability to be voted into power. But those seeking a new party talk about the need to "make the administrative city move happen" and it will be largely politicians from a specific region who will form its base, so it would seem the reason is far more about regionalism than "conservatism." You see it in the way they emphasize "central region" of all places. Regionalism is the decisive factor that hinders Korea's political development, so the move is of great concern.
The "administrative city" is a state project that is being pursued with through national government channels and with public consensus. Having the pursuit of that enterprise be the main political philosophy behind a new political party is absurd. It is not all that different from the regional selfishness of some of the politicians in the greater Seoul region who oppose the new administrative city, and it takes away from the legitimacy of the project, since it is supposed to be about balanced national development, strengthening national competitiveness, and national unity. It is also dishonest to have hidden intentions to become the leader of the region by creating a regional party.
One can of course understand how the Chungcheong region might want to go all out for the city's construction. The political culture that concentrates everything at the national government level without adequately reflecting Chungcheong's views is clearly a problem. It is also understandable that the individuals behind the new party were faced with a frustrating situation because the GNP is not actively interested in seeing the project carried out, Uri Party does not fit with their conservative politics, and the ULD has already lots its vitality. In such circumstances they might indeed be feeling there needs to be a new political block.
Nevertheless, if that new political element is going to be based in nationally ruinous regionalism one cannot approve. It would be out of step with the spirit of the times and it will not be successful. The new administrative city faces problems because of regionalism in the greater Seoul region; one cannot agree with the idea that Chungcheong-based regionalism is necessary for carrying out the project. The effort would be better without that kind of party. If they are really interested in engaging in politics for the people they should leave the regionalism behind and construct a national party based on a rational political philosophy.
The Hankyoreh, 9 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Just Say No to Feudal, Regional Parties |
