Hong Ik-pyo: "Unprecedented Cabinet Reshuffle for Dismissed Officials to Run in General Election"

Democratic Party Calls for Lawmakers' Meeting Just Before Plenary Session on 8th
"Yoon Only Appoints Prosecutors or Ministry of Economy and Finance Officials"

Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, recently criticized the cabinet reshuffle carried out by President Yoon Seok-yeol, calling it "an unprecedented situation where the reshuffle is done to allow people who should be dismissed to run for the National Assembly election."

At a party meeting held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 8th, Floor Leader Hong emphasized, "Please conduct the confirmation hearings very strictly and firmly based on principles." He also pointed out, "In the case of the Korea Communications Commission, once again, a former prosecutor is appointed," adding, "This government always confirms that it is either a 'Prosecutor Republic' or a 'Ministry of Economy and Finance Republic,' staffed by former prosecutors or Ministry of Economy and Finance officials."

Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Hong Ik-pyo and other lawmakers are holding a picket in front of the National Assembly plenary session hall on the afternoon of the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Targeting nominee Kim Hong-il, he sarcastically said, "I don't know if the person who wants to become the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission has ever investigated broadcasting or communication-related cases, but please check if there are any investigation records involving media companies or broadcasters." He added, "Minister Han Dong-hoon said he knows the shipbuilding business well because he investigated Daewoo Shipbuilding, so since Kim Hong-il investigated the BBK case during the MB administration, he might be suitable to become the Financial Services Commission chairman."

Meanwhile, Floor Leader Hong also expressed regret over the failure to reach an agreement on next year's budget during the regular session, which ends on this day. He said, "Today is the last plenary session of the regular National Assembly, and I sincerely apologize to the people for not being able to process the national budget." He continued, "While the ruling party and government bear primary responsibility, apart from that, as the main opposition party that should take some responsibility for state affairs, I feel sorry."

In particular, he emphasized, "We will definitely process the budget in some form on the 20th," and "While respecting the government's right to draft the budget, the National Assembly must understand that it holds the right to review and approve it." The ruling and opposition parties agreed to process next year's budget by the plenary session scheduled for the 20th. However, given the significant differences in views over contentious issues such as the local currency budget, this is interpreted as a statement pressuring the government and ruling party by hinting at a Democratic Party-only amendment proposal.