"Like Spitting on Cooperation"
Additional Plenary Session Schedule Negotiations Expected to Face Difficulties
The People Power Party is expected to request the government to exercise the right to reconsider (veto) the special investigation law on Chae Sang-byeong.
On the 2nd, Yoon Jae-ok, acting party leader of the People Power Party, held a rally at the National Assembly with lawmakers to condemn the passage of the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation law, which was passed solely by the Democratic Party of Korea. After the rally, Yoon told reporters, "Considering the legislative process and the content of the bill, I believe we have no choice but to recommend the veto."
He said, "Our party tried to give the public hope for cooperation by agreeing to pass the Itaewon Special Act, in order to unite the National Assembly and erase the stigma of being the worst National Assembly in history," adding, "It is regrettable to condemn Chairman Kim, who participated in the legislative rampage, and the Democratic Party for their legislative rampage."
Yoon pointed out, "The investigation on Chae Sang-byeong is currently underway by investigative agencies," and added, "A special investigation is conducted when the public evaluates that the investigation results are insufficient or unfair despite the investigative agencies conducting the investigation." He continued, "If they intended to pass the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation law, they would not have agreed to today's plenary session schedule," emphasizing, "Yet, the chairman and the opposition floor leader deceived the ruling party floor leader as if it would not be processed today."
Yoon said, "Although the Speaker of the National Assembly promised to allow time for deliberation between the two parties even if the agenda was changed, it is truly deplorable that the Democratic Party colluded to carry out a legislative rampage," adding, "It is like spitting on the agreement made just yesterday between the chief deputy floor leaders of both parties to show a cooperative spirit by making small concessions."
When asked about a nationwide survey showing that 67% of the entire population supported the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation law, Yoon responded, "Even if 67% of the public supports it, the investigation has not been underway for long," and questioned, "Why do we need investigative agencies? Should every politically divisive case require a special investigation?"
The People Power Party holds the position that they will no longer cooperate in convening plenary sessions for the remainder of the 21st National Assembly. The Democratic Party plans to hold additional plenary sessions in the last week of May to pass contentious bills such as the Grain Management Act amendment and the Agricultural and Fishery Products Distribution and Price Stabilization Act (Nongan Act), indicating that political conflict is expected to continue until the end of the 21st National Assembly.
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