Proposal for 1-on-1 Debate on Assembly Organization Negotiations to the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party Also Seems Reluctant to Organize the Assembly Alone
On the 17th, the People Power Party once again proposed holding a public debate regarding the Democratic Party of Korea's unilateral formation of 11 standing committees. The ruling and opposition parties continue to deadlock over the composition of the remaining seven standing committees. The likelihood of a plenary session being held today is low.
Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, attended an emergency committee meeting held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "Last Friday (the 14th), I proposed a one-on-one public debate on the topic of committee formation negotiations to Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, but three days have passed and (Leader Park) has remained silent." He urged, "I ask that you respond to the proposal for a public debate even today."
The People Power Party explained that the Democratic Party unilaterally formed the committees to shield Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, and is expecting a backlash from public opinion. Jeong Jeom-sik, chairman of the Policy Committee, pointed out, "Neither the Judiciary Committee nor the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee observed the minimum deliberation period stipulated in the National Assembly Act," adding, "They are ignoring legal procedures solely for political attacks and are pushing through legislation unilaterally." The People Power Party held a party members' meeting in the morning to discuss the distribution of standing committees. However, the atmosphere suggests it will be difficult to accept the remaining committees as they are if the Democratic Party does not change its method of committee allocation.
The Democratic Party also seems eager to avoid the image of 'monopolizing' all seven remaining standing committees. Lee Hae-sik, chief spokesperson, told reporters after the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting, "At today's Supreme Council, there was strong criticism of the ruling party's boycott of the National Assembly and their continued role as a mere appendage to the executive branch through internal policy special committees," and emphasized a fundamental stance by saying, "Our party reaffirmed its position to form the committees promptly and create a working National Assembly without hesitation, in accordance with the National Assembly Act and the will of the people."
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