Yeo: "Park Chan-dae's words about heeding the public's will in the general election lack any mention of cooperation"

Jeong Hee-yong, Senior Spokesperson of the People Power Party, Comments
Heavy Heart over Passage of 'Corporal Chae Special Prosecutor Act'
"Democratic Party's Share in Legislation and Steering Committees, Declaration of Unilateral Action"

The People Power Party urged Park Chan-dae, the newly elected floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea on the 3rd, to show a spirit of 'cooperation' and transform the National Assembly into a working parliament.

Jung Hee-yong, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, released a statement on the day, saying, "As Floor Leader Park is about to begin the new 22nd National Assembly, his sense of responsibility must be greater than ever," and extended his congratulations.

Jeong Hee-yong, Chief Spokesperson of the People Power Party. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

However, Chief Spokesperson Jung expressed regret over the passage of the 'Corporal Chae Special Prosecutor Act' led by the Democratic Party, which was passed at the plenary session of the National Assembly the previous day. He said, "The legislative rampage that shook the foundation of parliamentary democracy based on compromise and dialogue has once again disappointed the public, who had high expectations for bipartisan cooperation," adding, "While we greatly sympathize with the new floor leader’s commitment to reform, there was no sign of cooperation in his remarks about judging the administration and heeding the public sentiment from the general election."

He further criticized, saying, "Securing the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Steering Committee for the Democratic Party is tantamount to declaring unilateral dominance in the 22nd National Assembly," and warned, "Do not forget that public sentiment is most ruthless toward arrogance."

On the same day in the morning, the Democratic Party elected Representative Park, a pro-Lee Jae-myung faction member, as the floor leader. Park was the sole candidate and was elected through a secret yes-or-no vote without a primary. The Democratic Party only disclosed that the majority voted in favor but did not reveal the exact vote count. In his policy speech, Floor Leader Park stated, "We will immediately re-pursue the legislation of the bill that President Yoon Seok-yeol vetoed (exercised the right of veto) upon the opening of the 22nd National Assembly," and added, "We will also begin negotiations to secure supplementary budget for the Livelihood Recovery Support Fund." He continued, "To ensure responsible operation of the National Assembly, we will secure the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Steering Committee for the Democratic Party," and pledged, "We will also accelerate prosecution reform and media reform."