[On Site] People Power Party Pledges Unity and Livelihood... Tension Between Party and Government Remains

Emphasizing One Against a Hundred Ahead of Regular National Assembly
Some Lawmakers Criticize Government Pointing Out Medical Realities
Han Leaves During Government Report... "Mediation and Compromise Needed"

The People Power Party held a workshop on the 29th and 30th, where 108 affiliated lawmakers pledged unity and a focus on people-centered politics. The most frequently mentioned phrase at the workshop was 'unity and capability.' Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, encouraged proactive legislative activities in his opening remarks, stating, "It is time for us to show the people our capabilities and vision, to present who we are, what kind of politics we practice, and what future we envision." Floor leader Choo Kyung-ho also emphasized, "We must demonstrate that the People Power Party is a people-centered party that properly responds to public sentiment."

There were several candid remarks urging the party to respond logically and strongly to opposition pressure and to engage more actively in legislative activities. Joo Ho-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, in a special lecture to fellow lawmakers, stressed not only legislative work but also proactive political activities and basic communication such as phone calls. He also advised eradicating power harassment toward aides and avoiding behaviors that could cause misunderstandings.

The tension between the Presidential Office and Leader Han over the increase in medical school quotas was clearly revealed. On the afternoon of the 29th, Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education; Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare; and Jang Sang-yoon, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs at the Presidential Office, maintained a principled stance during a government report on medical reform, stating, "We must uphold the firm principles outlined in medical reform," and "Realizing our tasks is key to the success of this initiative." They also predicted that reversing the decision to increase medical school quotas would provoke backlash from students preparing for entrance exams and their parents.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During a closed Q&A session, some lawmakers urged the government to adopt a more flexible attitude. They expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response to issues such as emergency room overcrowding, delays in treatment and surgery for critically ill patients, and medical student education. The atmosphere on-site was reported to be even more heated. A senior lawmaker criticized the ongoing refusal of medical students to attend classes, saying, "The planned reinforcement of public health doctors will likely not proceed as expected, so doesn't the government lack countermeasures?"

Leader Han left the room without listening to the government report. After the report, he reappeared at the workshop venue and pointed out, "There is a need for mediation and compromise measures that can alleviate public anxiety," adding, "The health and lives of the people are not risks we can afford to take. In that regard, alternatives are necessary."

[Image source=Yonhap News]