Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, "Proposes Adoption of Resolution Urging Inter-Korean Parliamentary Talks"

Regular National Assembly Opening Address "The National Assembly Must Be a Pragmatic Body That Never Stops"

Speaker of the National Assembly Park Byeong-seok is attending the regular meeting between the Speaker and the floor leaders of negotiation groups held at the National Assembly on the 26th, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok proposed the adoption of a resolution urging inter-Korean parliamentary talks. He also suggested the focused processing of bills related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and livelihood bills, and urged the ruling party to practice inclusive and magnanimous politics.

In his opening remarks at the 382nd regular session of the National Assembly on the 1st, Speaker Park said, "The Speaker publicly proposed inter-Korean parliamentary talks to the North on Constitution Day. Improving inter-Korean relations naturally requires bipartisan cooperation," adding, "I propose adopting a bipartisan resolution urging inter-Korean parliamentary talks."

Speaker Park stated, "Inter-Korean parliamentary talks were promoted and supported by both the ruling and opposition parties in the past," and added, "Now, when inter-Korean relations are freezing again, adopting a resolution urging inter-Korean parliamentary talks will open the way for inter-Korean relations and serve as a catalyst for advancing politics through cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties."

He also emphasized the so-called 'working National Assembly.' Speaker Park said, "In the face of a national crisis, there can be no distinction between the ruling and opposition parties," and urged, "For a National Assembly that empowers the people, let the 300 members of the National Assembly become a single team." He also stressed, "Let us overcome the crisis with a practical and realistic spirit."

He pointed out that since the 21st National Assembly began, 3,205 bills have been submitted, but only 62, or 1.9%, have been processed. Speaker Park said, "Let us focus on deliberating and promptly processing not only non-controversial bills on which the ruling and opposition parties agree but also livelihood bills directly related to the safety and livelihoods of the people." He also called for special measures for socially vulnerable groups such as non-regular workers, small business owners, and self-employed individuals.

Regarding cooperation, he urged the ruling party, "Please show a responsible attitude befitting the ruling party. Lead inclusive and magnanimous politics for a united Republic of Korea," and to the opposition parties, "You have shown a stance of parliamentary struggle instead of street protests. I ask you to make further efforts to establish yourselves as an alternative and policy-oriented party."