'8 Seats' More Needed by Joguk Innovation Party
Democratic Party Stands Aloof from Negotiation Group Requirement Easing
Joguk Side: "There Is Time. Research and Exploration Stage"
The Joguk Innovation Party, which secured 12 seats in the 22nd National Assembly, has expressed plans to form a parliamentary negotiation group. To meet the requirement of '20 members' for forming such a group, they need 8 more seats. However, parties open to negotiation are keeping their distance from the Joguk Innovation Party.
Among opposition figures who could join the negotiation group are 6 members from minor parties within the Deominju Yeonhap (Democratic Union) elected members (14 members), 1 elected member from the Progressive Party, Yoon Jong-oh, and 1 elected member from the New Future Party, Kim Jong-min. If these individuals join the Joguk Innovation Party or maintain their party affiliation while forming a joint negotiation group, the Joguk Innovation Party’s plan could be realized.
However, those mentioned have stated that they have "not received any official proposal" from the Joguk Innovation Party regarding the negotiation group.
Yoon Young-deok, co-leader of Deominju Yeonhap, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "There has been no proposal from the Joguk Innovation Party," adding, "We are discussing the timing of a merger with the Democratic Party." The Deominju Yeonhap elected members will hold a workshop with the Democratic Party at their party headquarters on the afternoon of the 19th. A Progressive Party official said, "(Forming a negotiation group) is the Joguk Innovation Party’s issue, and we have not received any proposal yet," adding, "If a proposal comes, we will consider it, but we need to see if a negotiation group centered on labor issues can be formed."
A New Progressive Union official also explained that no significant discussions are underway. He said, "We have not yet returned to the original party," and "Rather, we have focused on creating 'joint policies' while forming the Deominju Yeonhap." He added, "We will put more effort into how to realize joint policies," and "Especially since Representative Yong Hye-in is an incumbent, we are discussing how to conclude the 21st National Assembly."
Representative Seo Mi-hwa dismissed the idea on the 18th via her Facebook, stating, "I will never join the Joguk Innovation Party, and there has been no discussion." Representative Kim Yoon is deferring the decision, saying, "I will decide after consulting with civil society members." Both representatives were selected by the United Political Civil Society, which recommended the civil society quota for Deominju Yeonhap. Civil society is reportedly encouraging their participation in the negotiation group, anticipating that the two candidates will enter the National Assembly as independents.
Proportional representation winners, including Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, visited the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 12th to pay tribute to the patriotic martyrs. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
There have been discussions about amending the National Assembly Act to relax the requirements for forming a negotiation group to fewer than 10 members, but the Democratic Party is distancing itself from such legal amendments. On the 17th, Joguk Innovation Party leader Jo Guk said, "We will not rush and will do our best to form a parliamentary negotiation group by respecting public opinion." Spokesperson Kim Bo-hyeop also said in a phone interview on the 15th, "There is still a month and a half until the opening of the 22nd National Assembly on May 30," adding, "We are in the stage of research and exploration."
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