'Gomin' Talk Emerges for Ruling and Opposition Cooperation, but Criticism of Autocracy Continues
Responsibility Debate for Floor Leaders Unlikely to Arise
Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is adjusting his glasses after finishing his speech at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, maintained his stance for the second day on re-discussing the ‘Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights (Geomsu Wanbak) Bill.’ However, he did not specifically mention the process and reasons for accepting Speaker Park Byeong-seok’s mediation proposal on the 22nd, leading to opinions within the party that ‘a more active explanation is necessary.’ Both inside and outside the party, there are forecasts that Kwon’s narrowing position will inevitably cause setbacks in ‘ruling-opposition negotiations’ and other matters.
According to a People Power Party official close to President-elect Yoon Seok-youl on the 26th, regarding the agreement on the Geomsu Wanbak Bill mediation proposal, “It is true that there was not enough consultation (between Kwon and the President-elect’s side),” and criticized, “He handled the matter unilaterally without specific consultation.” The official added, “President-elect Yoon is not the type to micromanage what happens in the National Assembly or the party, but at least he should have consulted with the President-elect’s side.”
President-elect Yoon has expressed critical views on the mediation proposal both directly and indirectly. Bae Hyun-jin, spokesperson for the President-elect, explained at a briefing held at the transition committee that at the time of the agreement on the National Assembly mediation proposal for the Geomsu Wanbak Bill, “(President-elect Yoon) was listening to and confirming the situation,” but “he was on a public welfare schedule in Busan and received reports by phone.” Bae also stated, “(President-elect Yoon) is not the incumbent president, so he is taking a step back and observing,” but added, “I would like to emphasize that the value of the Constitution must not be undermined in protecting the people’s livelihood, national interest, and rights.” This indicates that President-elect Yoon holds a negative view of the mediation proposal.
On the same day, Kwon said at the floor strategy meeting, citing public opinion, “We repeatedly request the Democratic Party to renegotiate the Geomsu Wanbak Bill.” He engaged in negotiations with the Democratic Party and others at the Speaker-floor leader meeting chaired by Speaker Park Byeong-seok.
In political circles, there is a strong view that Kwon’s sudden agreement to the mediation proposal was based on his conviction. When the party meeting to ratify the mediation agreement was held on the 22nd, it is reported that Kwon persuaded hesitant lawmakers while enduring ‘insults’ during the investigation. As a former prosecutor and a target of prosecution in the Kangwon Land recruitment corruption case, Kwon is believed to have agreed to some extent on the necessity of prosecutorial reform. Additionally, there are suggestions that this was a choice considering cooperation with the Democratic Party for personnel hearings and other matters ahead of the next government’s inauguration. Jeong Mi-kyung, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, explained on a radio show, “As the floor leader, I think he only wanted to cooperate with the Democratic Party so that the hearings and the early stabilization of the Yoon Seok-youl government could proceed smoothly.”
However, despite Kwon’s misjudgment, there is also a considerable view that the system should not be shaken. Jo Hae-jin, a People Power Party lawmaker who ran against Kwon in the floor leader election, said, “The floor leadership has only been in place for a few days, and it is questionable to criticize, deny, or assign responsibility for the entire system over this one issue,” adding, “We should be cautious about disciplining over a single matter.” Earlier, a People Power Party official also said, “If Kwon’s leadership weakens, it will be problematic to lead the party.”
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