"158 Innocent Lives Lost, Disaster Safety Management Chief Must Be Held Accountable"
"If Lee Sang-min Stays, Will He Even Submit Proper Data?"
"National Inquiry and Dismissal Are Separate Issues"
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Jin Seong-jun, the senior deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 28th that there is time until the 30th to consider cards such as a motion of dismissal or impeachment against Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, considering the schedule of the plenary session. He explained that they are not considering linking the motion of dismissal for Minister Lee with the budget.
Deputy Floor Leader Jin appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day and, when asked whether they would file a motion of dismissal or impeachment against Minister Lee, said, "Both options have their pros and cons," adding, "We are currently in the final review stage."
He explained, "The National Assembly has the right to propose a motion of dismissal against Cabinet members and also the right to impeach them," adding, "The requirements for proposal and approval are the same for both. A motion of dismissal or impeachment can be proposed with the consent of more than one-third of the total members, and can be approved with the majority of the total members."
Regarding the timing of filing a motion of dismissal or impeachment, Deputy Floor Leader Jin said, "There is time until the 30th." He explained, "Once a motion of impeachment or dismissal is proposed, it is reported at the first plenary session thereafter. The scheduled plenary sessions are on December 1 and December 2. If the motion of impeachment or dismissal is proposed by the 30th of this month, there will be no problem in processing it."
He completely denied public expectations that the Democratic Party, which demands Minister Lee's dismissal by warning about using the motion of dismissal card, would use the budget bill as leverage in negotiations.
When asked about the possibility of linking the issues, Deputy Floor Leader Jin said, "I don't think it is a matter for that," and explained, "The government budget is for the lives of our people. It should not be linked or delayed for political reasons."
Regarding the demand for Minister Lee's dismissal even before a national audit is conducted, he explained, "The Minister of the Interior and Safety is the overall person responsible for disaster safety management, and since 158 innocent lives were lost in the heart of Seoul, it is appropriate for him to take political responsibility." He continued, "Even if we limit it to the national audit, the person overall responsible for disaster safety management still holds the position, so how can the national audit be properly conducted? Will he sincerely respond to the submission of materials to clarify that responsibility? Therefore, the dismissal of the minister and the national audit are separate issues."
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