Intensifying Speaker Election... Jeong Seong-ho Differentiates Himself by Emphasizing 'Cooperation'

"Need to Achieve Results Through Cooperation Between Ruling and Opposition Parties"
"Not Only the Ruling Party Was Judged in the General Election"

Jeong Seong-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who announced his intention to run for the 22nd Speaker of the National Assembly, has emphasized a "People’s Livelihood National Assembly." Unlike candidates who highlight clear stances such as an innovative or reformist National Assembly, he is showing a differentiated approach by stressing the need for cooperation with the ruling party.

On the 25th, during an appearance on MBC Radio, Jeong refuted the criticism from Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party’s newly elected representative for Hanam-si Gap, who called him "naive," saying, "The National Assembly is in a very difficult situation. Slogans and claims are easy to make, but producing results is important," and added, "It is necessary to achieve results through cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He said, "The Democratic Party does not have the 200 seats required for a re-vote quorum to override the president’s veto," and "Even if the Democratic Party unilaterally passes a bill, the conclusion will be the president exercising the veto." Regarding the public sentiment from the general election, he stated, "The election did not only judge the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. The ruling party has responsibilities, and so does the Democratic Party as the majority party. I will create a working National Assembly."

This stance is quite different from that of his competitors. Choo, who will become the most senior member with six terms in the next National Assembly, has stated, "(The Speaker) is not neutral." Similarly, Jo Jeong-sik, also becoming the most senior member in the next National Assembly, said, "The National Assembly should be one that implements the public will in the Assembly while working in harmony with the majority Democratic Party."

Jeong’s emphasis on parliamentary principles instead of clear-cut stances is also a conviction he has developed through his legislative activities. There is also an interpretation that Jeong, known as the leader of the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, is checking Choo, who has shown a lone-wolf style of decision-making at political turning points, behind his candidacy. Regarding this, Jeong said, "It’s absurd," and added, "I came forward because I believe I can do better."