Govt urged not to use people’s problems as excuse to stay in power
Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Phumtham Vejjachai on Tuesday urged the government not to use people’s problems as an excuse to prolong its stay in office, as the best guarantee for resolving their issues is the return of democracy so that their voices can be heard and reflected through participation-based policies.
To claim that the government needs to finish resolving one problem before moving on to another is equivalent to dragging its feet in returning democracy to the people, he suggested.
The government’s roadmap, as such, has become merely an excuse, which goes against its stated goal and extends its work period in office, he said, adding that this prevented politicians from taking up office.
Phumtham said the new political party law was already in effect and required parties to undertake several related activities.
This is a necessary condition for the work and provides the opening up of democratic space in which politicians can reach the people, he said.
The ruling junta has not yet lifted its ban on political gatherings and activities despite the fact that the new law has been in place since early October.
