12 Agenda Items of Yeongsu Talks, Most Fail to Reach Consensus
Opposition Expected to Strengthen Offensive with Independent Actions
President Yoon Suk-yeol and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, failed to find common ground on most of the 12 agenda items during their first summit meeting, leading to widespread expectations that extreme conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties will continue in the 22nd National Assembly. The Democratic Party is expected to take independent action to pass contentious bills in the May extraordinary session. This is because both sides failed to narrow their differences on the 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Act,' the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act,' and the livelihood bills emphasized by the Democratic Party.
According to political circles on the 30th, the agenda Lee proposed to President Yoon during the summit held the previous day mainly included △ Special Prosecutor Acts concerning First Lady Kim Geon-hee and Chae Sang-byeong △ Itaewon Special Act △ Medical Reform △ Livelihood Bills (livelihood recovery support funds and research and development (R&D) budget). Among these, medical reform was the only issue on which the president and Lee reached a consensus. Lee suggested discussing the issue of increasing medical school admissions with the medical community through a parliamentary public discussion special committee proposed by the Democratic Party, and the government also hinted at the possibility of cooperation in broad terms.
The opposition is expected to intensify its offensive on the 'government responsibility theory' going forward. First, the Democratic Party is targeting the forced passage of the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act. Hong Ik-pyo, the Democratic Party floor leader, emphasized at the morning floor strategy meeting, "According to the National Assembly Act and the people's mandate, the government and ruling party should take a responsible stance and actively engage in the May extraordinary session," adding, "The Special Prosecutor Act for Marine Corps soldiers and the special act on jeonse fraud must be passed."
The Itaewon Disaster Special Act is also highly likely to be re-voted on during the next extraordinary session. Although Lee urged President Yoon to accept the special act during the summit, it was effectively rejected. The presidential office pointed out legal issues regarding the private investigation committee having the authority to request warrants under the Itaewon Special Act. While they left open the possibility of partial acceptance if this issue is resolved, the Democratic Party’s determination to push it through during the extraordinary session has increased the likelihood of renewed conflict between the ruling and opposition parties.
The livelihood recovery support fund bill of 250,000 won per person, which Lee pledged during the general election campaign, is also expected to face continued Democratic Party offensives. Lee requested, "Please actively consider the emergency livelihood recovery measures proposed by the Democratic Party," but President Yoon effectively rejected it, citing government budget difficulties. The presidential office stated, "The discussion proceeded with the intention of implementing government policies first and then discussing whether to implement additional measures if necessary," but Jin Seong-jun, chairman of the Democratic Party’s Policy Committee, expressed strong displeasure at a briefing, saying, "President Yoon cut it off sharply, citing concerns about national finances and inflation."
Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Through the summit meeting, Lee Jae-myung has established himself as a counterpart to President Yoon Suk-yeol," adding, "He has gained a favorable position to intensify the Democratic Party’s offensive going forward."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
