Sim Sang-jung Floor Leader of Minor Negotiating Group's Representative Speech
"Proposal to Establish a Standing Climate Special Committee in the National Assembly"
"President Yoon Must Choose Between the People and the First Lady"
Sim Sang-jung, floor leader of the Green Justice Party, appealed on the 22nd during the remarks of the representatives of non-negotiating parties, asking to "remember the changes the Green Justice Party has made."
Before the government questioning session in the plenary meeting that day, Floor Leader Sim expressed her determination to "start again" through the remarks of the representatives of non-negotiating parties.
She said, "The Green Justice Party is currently facing many difficulties," adding, "Many citizens who have supported and encouraged progressive parties for a long time are withholding their support. It is also true that we have shown a performance that falls short of the people's expectations." She continued, "Although the Green Justice Party has not achieved major changes in our society, if there have been improvements in the lives of socially vulnerable groups and the rights of ordinary citizens, I want to say that our party's voice and first steps were at the forefront of those changes," and stated, "As the leading party in climate politics and livelihood politics, and as a clear opposition party standing against the regression of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, we will firmly establish our reason for existence."
Floor Leader Sim explained the background for not participating in the proportional alliance party led by the Democratic Party of Korea and expressed her commitment to political reform. She said, "The Green Justice Party decided not to participate because the proportional alliance party, which includes the Democratic Party of Korea, is a satellite party that undermines the purpose of the semi-proportional representation system," adding, "There was intense internal debate before making this decision. Since the party is in a very difficult situation, there was deep anguish between principles and reality." She continued, "We encouraged each other by saying, 'If the Green Justice Party stops here, who will raise the cow?' and decided to steadfastly continue on the path of political reform," appealing, "Although lonely, we believe that the public will understand our sincere choice of the righteous path."
Additionally, Floor Leader Sim said, "President Yoon Seok-yeol should decide whether to stand on the side of the people or on the side of First Lady Kim Keon-hee," and stated, "Power is given to protect the people, not to protect the family."
Floor Leader Sim proposed "the establishment of a permanent climate special committee in the National Assembly." She then mentioned 'climate livelihood' and 'climate economy,' introducing bold strategies similar to the Korean version of the IRA, as well as climate safety leave for protecting vulnerable groups, green housing, climate disaster management systems, and food RE100. She also appealed, "The special law on jeonse fraud and the regional public medical school law must be passed."
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