"Better to Talk to a Wall"... Democratic Party Takes the Lead on 'Original Composition' (Exclusive) (Comprehensive)

No Change in Ruling Party's Position Despite Concessions by Legislation and Judiciary Committee
Temporary Session Request Submitted, Plans to Continue Negotiation Efforts
If No Change in Position, Unilateral Organization of the National Assembly Expected in July

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Park Hong-geun, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that while negotiations on the organization of the National Assembly will continue until the end of this month, if there is no change in the ruling party's position, he will convene a special session next month to normalize the National Assembly.

On the 27th, Park held a press briefing at the National Assembly and said, "There is not even a shred of sincerity in the ruling party's efforts to normalize the National Assembly for the sake of people's livelihood and economic recovery. They are only focused on political tactics to corner the opposition party, so we cannot trust and wait for them," adding, "We will convene a special session to normalize the National Assembly and take care of people's livelihood, the economy, and personnel hearings."

He continued, "To this end, we will soon request the convening of a special session of the National Assembly," and said, "We will not let go of the negotiation thread until the end of June, but we cannot allow the National Assembly to remain at a standstill."

Earlier, on the 24th, he offered the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to the People Power Party, demanding that they form a Special Committee on Judicial Reform and withdraw lawsuits related to the "Complete Prosecution Reform Act" (or prosecution reform law). This was based on the Democratic Party respecting the previous agreement between floor leaders, urging the ruling and opposition parties to also fulfill the agreement made during the processing of the Complete Prosecution Reform Act. Park had requested an answer by the morning of the 27th.

Although Park did not explicitly mention it, it is interpreted that he intends to continue negotiations until the end of this month, but if there is no change in the ruling party's position regarding the organization of the National Assembly, he will convene the National Assembly unilaterally. He also expressed frustration with the People Power Party's unchanging attitude, saying, "It would be better to talk to a wall."

Park said, "Until this week, the chief deputy floor leader will engage in talks with the other side (People Power Party), but there are urgent policy improvements needed to resolve issues such as the sharp rise in fuel costs and inflation, as well as the most urgent legislative amendments and personnel hearings," adding, "I am convinced that there is a political calculation that it is better to forcibly appoint problematic ministerial candidates without holding personnel hearings because the National Assembly is not opening."

However, the Democratic Party made it clear that although they have requested the convening of a special session, whether it will lead to a unilateral convening of the National Assembly depends on any change in the People Power Party's position. Park said, "I believe things will change if the ruling party makes responsible concessions during discussions," and added, "There will be necessary procedures to open the National Assembly and start working from July, taking into account the opinions of the people and lawmakers."

According to this plan, the Democratic Party intends to request the convening of a special session at the National Assembly on the 28th. In accordance with the National Assembly Act, which requires a three-day notice before a special session can be held, preparations for a unilateral convening of the National Assembly will proceed.