Lee Hae-chan: "Parliamentary Speaker Election on the 5th... Opening Cannot Be Subject to Negotiation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, reinforced the move for a solo opening of the National Assembly without the United Future Party by stating, “We will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers on the 5th in accordance with the National Assembly Act.”

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 3rd, Lee said, “The National Assembly Act is a law already agreed upon by both ruling and opposition parties. Opening the National Assembly according to the law cannot be a matter of negotiation or concession.”

He added, “On the 5th, we will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers and complete the formation of standing committees next week,” emphasizing, “We will also begin reviewing the third supplementary budget and various livelihood bills. We will show the public a working National Assembly.”

Regarding the United Future Party and the People’s Party, which did not sign the request to convene the 21st National Assembly’s extraordinary session, he pointed out, “The United Future Party and the People’s Party were absent from the request, but we must not repeat the past from the start.”

He continued, “Many citizens are watching the 21st National Assembly with great expectations. I hope they join the opening to show the will of both ruling and opposition parties to create a new National Assembly together and to demonstrate hope for a working National Assembly amid the national crisis.”

Regarding his statement on the 1st about “a new phenomenon emerging,” he added, “I believe the public’s desire not to have the opening National Assembly obstructed is unprecedentedly strong. One example of the new phenomenon and new trend I mentioned a few days ago is this.”