South Korean President Lee Jae Myung rules out re-election through constitutional change
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will not consider the possibility of seeking re-election for another term through changes to the constitution. This was stated by the president’s senior secretary for public relations and communications, Song Gi-hon, Channel NewsAsia reports.
According to Song, the president’s remarks should be understood as ruling out any attempt to seek re-election by amending the constitution. He said that the idea of a consecutive presidential term, discussed by certain political circles, is “completely impossible” and is not under consideration.
Discussion of constitutional reform
In August, Lee Jae Myung wrote on social media that he supports introducing a four-year presidential term with the possibility of holding office for more than one term. He also proposed transferring part of the president’s powers to parliament.
In July, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik, who had previously been associated with Lee’s Democratic Party, said that voters should decide whether the incumbent president could run for another term after a constitutional revision.
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The opposition People Power Party, following these statements, accused Lee and his allies of considering an amendment that could allow him to remain in office.
Current term limit
South Korea introduced its current model of a single five-year presidential term in 1987, when the country was transitioning away from decades of authoritarian rule. One of the goals of this restriction was to prevent a prolonged concentration of presidential power.
During a state visit to France, Lee Jae Myung, addressing South Koreans in Paris, recalled that he has only one term in office. He explained his busy schedule of foreign trips by saying: “My term is clearly limited by the constitution, so the earlier we start, the longer we can enjoy the benefits.”
Critics of the president noted that a second term would prolong the suspension of five criminal trials involving Lee, including bribery charges related to a company’s alleged illegal transfer of $8 million to North Korea. According to a Gallup Korea poll released last week, the president’s approval rating fell to 40%, the lowest level since he took office.
