Ruling and Opposition Parties at an Impasse over Temporary National Assembly... No Agreement on Schedule or Agenda

The floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties met for the first time since the general election, but they remained at an impasse over holding a special session of the National Assembly next month. The Democratic Party of Korea intends to pass the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act' and the 'Itaewon Special Act' during the special session, but the People Power Party maintained its stance that the special session cannot be convened unless it involves bills related to people's livelihoods.

People Power Party Floor Leader Yoon Jae-ok, who is also acting party leader (left photo), and Democratic Party Floor Leader Hong Ik-pyo are heading to the Speaker's office on the 23rd for a meeting of floor leaders hosted by the Speaker of the National Assembly. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, and Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader of the Democratic Party, met at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, presided over by Speaker Kim Jin-pyo. After the meeting, Floor Leader Hong told reporters, "No final agreement has been reached. We will continue to discuss the schedule for the May special session through further consultations."

The Democratic Party is pressuring the People Power Party to convene the special session next month to pass the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act and the Itaewon Special Act. Floor Leader Hong said, "Our party's position is that what needs to be done should be done," adding, "If necessary, it is our duty to finalize several important bills, including non-contentious ones, during the 21st National Assembly."

However, it is interpreted that the schedule agreement is being delayed because the People Power Party feels burdened by the bills proposed by the opposition, including the Democratic Party. Floor Leader Yoon stated, "Looking at the Democratic Party's stance, they are not interested in livelihood bills but are pushing to the end on bills that have serious differences between the ruling and opposition parties," adding, "There should be no need to convene the May session and cause the public to frown and worry until the very end of the 21st National Assembly."