Ruling party leader differs with pres. office on pension reform timing

The presidential office and ruling Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung have shown clear discrepancy in their recognition about the speed of the civil servants pension reform. The presidential office is openly pressuring the ruling party to execute the pension reform, but Kim said, “What is important is to conduct (pension reform), rather than the timing.” His comments sound as if he is arguing for adjustment of speed at which civil servants pension reform is pursued.

At a joint meeting of the party’s top veteran politicians on the day, Kim said, “Current and former civil servants who have been spearheading Korea’s modernization are urged to join hands to seek the pension reform from a patriotic perspective,” adding, “Fundamental reform of the civil servants is inevitable as (the current civil servants system) is no longer viable due to fiscal constraints of pension funds in the aged society and fairness with the national pension.” However, he stopped short of commenting on the timing for reform.

Commenting on the presidential office’s argument for the need to seek reform of the civil servants pension within this year while talking to reporters after the meeting, Kim questioned, “What is important is to reform the civil servants pension, rather than the timing of reform.” The remarks were interpreted as his objection to the timeline for review of a reform bill within this year, which was suggested by the presidential office.

On the situation that is deemed as dispute between the party and the presidential office, Kim expressed discontent to the media, saying, “Why are you trying to force me into a fight with the presidential office.” He seemed to feel the burden for the situation wherein he is seen as being in conflict with the presidential office over the method of the pension’s reform again after a dispute over constitutional amendment.

An aide to Kim said, “There are practical issues such as civil servants` objection and negotiation with the opposition party.” His comment could be interpreted to mean that while the presidential office could suggest a target, the ruling party has to address practical challenges. To party insiders, however, reform of the civil servants pension has emerged to the frontier of conflict not only between the party and the presidential office, but also between the party’s faction under its leadership and the pro-Park Geun-hye faction.

At the meeting, other members of the party’s leadership showed a stance somewhat different from that of Kim. Although Floor Leader Lee Wan-koo also said, “We face a situation where we have to urge civil servants to display patriotism,” he was more emphasizing review of the issue within this year. Rep. Rhee In-je, a member of the party’s supreme council, said, “Reform of the civil servants pension should be speedy in terms of political timeline. Next year, we will already have a mood wherein we should prepare for the next general elections,” as if siding with the presidential office that seeks an "execution within this year."