Minjoo: "March National Assembly Held Every Year... Yeo, Maliciously Framing 'Shielding' "

"Also Specified in the National Assembly Act...
A Frame Suggesting the Convening of a Temporary Session That Does Not Need to Be Held"

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Park Jun-i] The Democratic Party of Korea criticized the People Power Party, which opposes the March extraordinary session convening request as a "Lee Jae-myung shield," calling it a "malicious framing."

On the 21st, Oh Young-hwan, the floor spokesperson, told reporters after the morning floor countermeasure meeting, "The ruling party is speaking as if convening the March National Assembly is a matter for bargaining, which is truly incomprehensible," and pointed out, "The convening of the March extraordinary session is specified in the Act on the National Assembly, including the annual schedule."

Oh emphasized, "Even if it were not stipulated by law, the National Assembly must fulfill its role in handling numerous livelihood bills amid the current heating cost bomb, high inflation, and livelihood difficulties," adding, "Except for 2015 during former President Park Geun-hye's administration, the March National Assembly was convened every year, and during the Moon Jae-in administration, except for the 2020 general election, the March National Assembly was naturally held every year."

He continued, "The People Power Party is attempting a malicious framing as if the Democratic Party is demanding the convening of an extraordinary session that does not need to be held, being conscious of the arrest motion against Representative Lee Jae-myung," and criticized, "Isn't the ruling party the one holding the National Assembly hostage by focusing all attention on the party convention, which has been sullied like a mud pit and solely aims to please the president's wishes, neglecting the people's livelihood?"

Oh floor spokesperson pointed out, "Putting livelihood matters aside through reckless framing for attacking the opposition is a petty and shameless business tactic."

On this day, as the arrest motion against Representative Lee was sent to the National Assembly, the Democratic Party plans to hold a party meeting in the afternoon to discuss the approval or rejection of the arrest motion.

Oh said, "At the 3 p.m. party meeting, public remarks by Representative Lee Jae-myung and Floor Leader Park Hong-geun are scheduled, and lawmakers with legal backgrounds from the party will explain the legal review opinions on the currently requested warrant," adding, "Afterward, there will be a process to confirm the consensus of the party members."

Earlier, President Yoon Suk-yeol approved the arrest motion request against Representative Lee the previous day. Accordingly, the arrest motion will be reported to the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 24th and voted on in the plenary session on the 27th.