Kim Tae-nyeon "Expecting Bipartisan Dialogue and Cooperation at Cheong Meeting... Parliament Must Open on Scheduled Date"

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed hope for bipartisan dialogue and cooperation at the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and the floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties. Regarding the negotiation for the opening of the National Assembly, he reiterated the position that "standing committees should be allocated according to established principles."

At the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 28th, Floor Leader Kim said, "Today, President Moon and the floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties will meet. It took a full 566 days for the ruling party, opposition parties, and government to sit together again," adding, "Since this meeting is held in an emergency situation, I expect bipartisan dialogue and cooperation to overcome the crisis. I hope that this meeting will open the door wide to politics of coexistence and cooperation."

Regarding the difficulties in negotiations with the United Future Party over the allocation of standing committees, Floor Leader Kim said, "The public sentiment from this general election is to create a new National Assembly," emphasizing, "The opening of the National Assembly cannot be a subject of negotiation. It must open on the date prescribed by law."

He continued, "In major advanced countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, there are no negotiations like ours for the opening of the National Assembly. Standing committees are allocated according to established principles, and the Assembly opens on the prescribed date," adding, "The public already regards our country as an advanced nation. Now, in politics as well, South Korea must become a world-leading country."

He also said, "The National Assembly must take the lead in creating advanced politics," urging, "The K-National Assembly and its members must make this happen. We expect active cooperation from the United Future Party."

Floor Leader Kim said, "Today marks the 4th anniversary of the death of Mr. Kim, who died while repairing a screen door at Guui Station in Seoul," adding, "We must prevent unjust deaths at workplaces from continuing."

He added, "The Democratic Party will prepare legal and institutional improvement measures for industrial accident prevention based on the results of ongoing research commissioned by the Ministry of Labor following the Icheon accident," and said, "We will also expand industrial safety personnel and budgets in consultation with the government."

He continued, "In cases of industrial accidents, court sentences are too light. Even fatal accidents mostly result in suspended sentences or fines," and said, "I understand that the government has submitted opinions to the Supreme Court Sentencing Commission to raise sentencing standards for industrial accident deaths. We hope for the Supreme Court's review."

Regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), he said, "Confirmed cases are increasing at the Bucheon Coupang logistics center. There have also been confirmed cases at the Market Kurly logistics center," adding, "Today, the Blue House will also discuss measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19."