In Yohan: "Second Innovation Plan? Discussing Multi-term Limits by District and Reduction of National Assembly Members"

People Power Party Innovation Committee Chair CBS Radio Interview
"Pardon term inappropriate... Cancellation of disciplinary action is correct"

In Yohan, the Innovation Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, announced on the 1st that the abolition of the parliamentary immunity from arrest and immunity from prosecution for members of the National Assembly is being discussed as the second innovation proposal. Discussions on limiting multiple terms in electoral districts and reducing the number of National Assembly members are also underway.

In a phone interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the same day, Chairman In said, "Realistically, how politicians will make sacrifices and step down, and that only when a vote is held in the National Assembly can cases be handed over to the prosecution (was proposed)."

He added, "There are pros and cons regarding not holding members of the National Assembly accountable for their words and actions within the Assembly," and said, "If we make members responsible for what they say, freedom of expression will disappear. So it's really difficult."

In addition, proposals such as limiting multiple terms in electoral districts and reducing the number of National Assembly members are also being discussed. Chairman In said, "There was also discussion about how long one can stay in an electoral district," but added, "First, we discussed many legal aspects, and there was also talk about reducing the number of National Assembly members."

In Yohan, Chairman of the Innovation Committee of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the backlash from parties involved, including Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, against the 'general pardon' proposed as the first innovation plan by the Innovation Committee, he responded, "We humbly accept it." Earlier, Mayor Hong criticized, "Why use the term 'pardon' when simply canceling the disciplinary action would suffice? A pardon is the president's authority to forgive the guilty."

Chairman In explained, "Mayor Hong said, 'What pardon? That is neither a qualification nor a law,' and that's correct. We humbly accept it," adding, "The term was inappropriate, so we just used the word 'pardon,' but the party and the Supreme Council can simply revoke the measures taken now."

He continued, "Canceling the disciplinary action is more appropriate, but when it goes outside, it embraces everything. We used the term 'pardon' to mean forgiving everything, but what our leader Hong said is correct."

When the host asked, "Does this mean that even if they themselves do not want it, the entire disciplinary action will be canceled on a large scale?" he replied, "That's right." Chairman In said, "The Supreme Council can accept it or not, but that is not for me to decide," and added, "Even if they don't accept it, it doesn't weaken my power, and there is much to do ahead."