Park Hong-geun: "The ruling party must abandon partisan interests and immediately elect the Speaker of the National Assembly"

Park Hong-geun "Ruling Party Responsible for National Security... Immediate Normalization of the National Assembly Needed"

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Park Hong-geun, Acting Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and Floor Leader, stated on the 6th, marking the 67th Memorial Day, "The best choice the ruling party, responsible for the country's security, can make now is to abandon party interests and immediately elect the Speaker of the National Assembly to normalize the parliament."

Park, the floor leader, said through Facebook that morning, "Today, I earnestly hope that the ruling and opposition parties will not miss the duty they must fulfill with one heart and one mind on Memorial Day."

He said, "The challenges and crises we must overcome continue today," adding, "The people's livelihood economy is facing a serious crisis due to soaring prices, and the security crisis on the Korean Peninsula is escalating due to North Korea's continuous provocations." He emphasized, "The current national defense means protecting the people's livelihood from being pushed further to the brink and maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula from North Korea's provocations."

Park said, "However, the National Assembly, which should be at the forefront of people's livelihood and security, cannot even open its doors," adding, "It is shameful and embarrassing to the people. I worry about how the public will view the parliamentary vacuum caused by the absence of the Speaker, which prevents proper response to the livelihood crisis and North Korea's provocations." He stressed, "There is no ruling or opposition party when it comes to people's livelihood and security," and said, "The National Assembly should open tomorrow, and the ruling and opposition parties should generously join hands to ease the people's concerns."

He also said, "The noble sacrifices and dedication of the patriotic martyrs, national defenders, and democratic activists are the cornerstone that built today's proud Republic of Korea," adding, "I send deep gratitude and respect for the great dedication of these precious souls and will not forget the duty of future generations. I will strive harder for the people's well-being and the peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea."

Park attended the 67th Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, that morning.