Pro-Government Faction Launches Policy Research Group 'The Yeomin Forum'..."Yoon Seok-yeol Administration Has No Measures"

Pro-Legislator Lee Jae-myung faction members gathered in a policy research group to criticize the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and emphasized the need to devise measures for public livelihood and other issues.

Democratic Party of Korea Assemblyman Ahn Kyu-baek Photo by Yonhap News

The 'The Yeomin Forum,' led by Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Gyu-baek, held its inaugural general meeting on the 29th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. Rep. Ahn said, "While the outside weather feels like a sauna, the political reality is like a severe winter," adding, "Even with my long political experience, I have never seen such a chaotic political situation; it is so disorderly that it borders on confusion." He also stated, "The filibuster was created to protect the rights of minority parties and the citizens who support them, but it has degenerated into a tool to shield a reckless administration," emphasizing, "It is the opposition's role to check the administration and protect the people, and the Democratic Party is facing a very critical time like never before."

Rep. Kim, who serves as the forum's vice-chair, said, "The situation is tougher than during the IMF crisis," adding, "Small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners are choking on the words 'We can't live like this anymore.'" He continued, "However, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has no countermeasures for this. It has truly reached an extreme that is hard to describe," and urged, "We must find ways to produce results by pooling wisdom with the Democratic Party's sole 171 seats," adding, "Of course, the other side (People Power Party) does not engage in dialogue well, but we must not give up on dialogue or negotiation."

Park Chan-dae, acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, also attended the inaugural meeting to offer congratulations. Acting leader Park said, "On one hand, I hope we fight firmly against the (Yoon administration) and win, and on the other hand, I hope to see cooperation for the sake of public livelihood. It is a truly difficult balance," adding, "I believe our 37 comrades in the National Assembly will surely open the path of wisdom."

The Yeomin Forum was launched with the purpose of seeking future growth engines and combining them with policy. The forum includes 37 members, including Rep. Ahn as chair, and vice-chairs Rep. Kim Gyo-heung and Rep. Jeon Hyun-hee. Rep. Jung Sung-ho, regarded as a leader of the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, and Park Sung-jun, chief deputy floor leader, have also joined the forum.