Park Hong-geun: "The public voice on Lee's dismissal... Yoon must not ignore the National Assembly's demands like with Park Jin"

Minju: "I Will Use All Authority to Hold Accountable"
"Collecting Materials and Organizing Schedule for the Special Committee on National Investigation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] On the 11th, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the passage of the no-confidence motion against Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min in the plenary session, stating, “President Yoon Seok-yeol should not ignore the National Assembly's demands as stipulated by the Constitution, just as he did during the vote on the no-confidence motion against Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin.”

After the vote on the no-confidence motion against Minister Lee in the National Assembly plenary session that day, Floor Leader Park told reporters, “Considering the gravity of the matter, the constitutional duty guaranteed by the Constitution must not be refused.” He added, “Today’s handling of the no-confidence motion does not reflect the Democratic Party’s thoughts or stance,” emphasizing, “The overwhelming voice of the people is that political, moral, and administrative responsibility must first be taken for the unimaginable catastrophe that occurred.”

He continued, “The Democratic Party has been patient, demanding Minister Lee’s voluntary resignation and the President’s dismissal of him,” explaining, “Despite the overwhelming majority of the people’s demands, the anguished cries of the bereaved families, and even Speaker Kim Jin-pyo suggesting resolving the issue through Minister Lee’s voluntary resignation, the complete refusal led to the unavoidable processing of the no-confidence motion.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Floor Spokesperson Lee Su-jin emphasized the response to President Yoon’s potential veto, stating, “We will fully exercise our authority to clearly hold those responsible for the disaster accountable.” However, Floor Leader Park said, “Since the official position of the Presidential Office has not yet been announced, please wait and see.”

They also expressed the intention to continue pushing for a parliamentary audit. Spokesperson Lee said, “The special committee members for the parliamentary audit are diligently collecting materials and organizing how to proceed with meetings, witnesses for the hearings, and site visits,” adding, “As the government and ruling party only consider the responsibility of police officers and firefighters, the time will come for the people to once again question the function of the National Assembly.”

Regarding the declaration of resignation by all special committee members from the People Power Party, Floor Leader Park criticized, “How can they be considered reasonable politicians or the ruling party when they not only ultimately refuse but also obstruct?”