"Alternatives and Future," a group of first- and second-term lawmakers within the People Power Party (PPP), on Friday sharply criticized moves to discipline party leader Chang Dong-hyeok, calling them "nothing more than an attempt to remove political rivals and prolong his political life." In response, pro-leadership Supreme Council member Cho Kwang-han pushed back, calling it "wearisome politics of division," in a sign of intensifying conflict within the party.
Lee Sung-kwon, a PPP lawmaker who serves as secretary of Alternatives and Future, met with reporters after a breakfast meeting that day and criticized the move. "The subtraction politics through disciplinary action lost its effect due to the judiciary's ruling before the local elections, and it was thoroughly rejected by the public in the elections as well," he said. He added, "We oppose the continuation of fear politics and disciplinary politics that refuse to acknowledge differences in ideological direction," and pointed out, "If actions contrary to the perception of the majority of the public continue, Alternatives and Future will not stand by and watch." He also said the group had decided to prepare a program for party reform by gathering the collective will of its member lawmakers.
After Alternatives and Future stated its position, Cho immediately held a press conference and hit back, saying, "Haven't they disbanded yet?" He said, "A faction with no alternatives and no future has once again moved to shake the leadership like a broken record," and asked rhetorically, "Is it fear politics for a public party to establish discipline and order within the party?"
The divisions surrounding disciplinary politics are deepening. While most lawmakers, including senior figures, are voicing negative views on the disciplinary action, some hardline leadership figures are sticking to the disciplinary course, widening internal disagreements further. PPP lawmaker Na Kyung-won said, "If the sword of discipline is wielded roughly, it could become another factor of discord within the party." PPP lawmaker Sung Il-jong also expressed a negative view, saying, "Politics is about seeking mutual understanding behind the scenes and resolving grievances if there are any." In contrast, one leadership official said, "We are just trying to follow principled procedures in accordance with the party's charter and regulations."
