Shouting and Abusive Language to Disappear in the National Assembly... 'Hand Pickets' That Incite Political Strife Also Banned

Agreement Reached at Meeting Between Gukhim and Minju Floor Leaders

The ruling and opposition parties agreed in the National Assembly plenary session not to raise their voices or use abusive language in standing committees, and to prohibit the attachment of picket signs that provoke political conflict.

On the 24th, Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at the National Assembly's audit countermeasures meeting, "Yesterday, I met with Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader of the Democratic Party. We reached a consensus that the atmosphere in the National Assembly chamber needs to be improved," adding, "We agreed not to carry or attach picket signs in the chamber and standing committee rooms, and also not to shout or jeer in the plenary session hall."

Floor leader Yoon explained the background, saying, "We decided to continue these efforts together to improve the problem of the National Assembly showing an unsightly appearance to the public and the ruling and opposition parties being excessively absorbed in political strife." He also told reporters after the meeting, "The agreement remains valid going forward," and added, "Although it cannot be made into law or regulation, since there is a mutual agreement, promises will be kept whenever any standing committee or plenary session is held."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Democratic Party floor leader Hong also disclosed the details of the agreement at the morning meeting. He said, "During the President's policy speech and the speeches by the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties, members seated on the floor will not make separate remarks. We proposed this as a kind of gentlemen's agreement, and both parties agreed to it."

Hong Ik-pyo continued, "Because there have been repeated disruptions caused by members entering with hand-held picket signs whenever the ruling and opposition parties' positions changed, we decided that no hand-held picket signs will be brought into the meeting rooms, whether the plenary session hall or standing committee rooms," adding, "We hope this will be an opportunity for a new culture to take root in the National Assembly."

Previously, the ruling and opposition parties had created hand-held picket signs and entered standing committee rooms, causing disruptions over contentious issues such as the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and the three broadcasting laws.