Handonghun on Legislative Conflict: "It Is a Serious Situation... We Must Tap the Stone Bridge"

"Emotional Conflict with the Presidential Office?" "No Emotions Involved"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 30th regarding the legislative conflict situation, "Many people are feeling anxious, so my judgment is that this is indeed a serious situation."

At the closing ceremony of the People Power Party lawmakers' workshop held at the Incheon International Airport Corporation Human Resources Development Center that day, Han told reporters, "I have discussed with experts within the party and proposed alternatives, and I hope there are better alternatives."

He continued, "My alternative is not the only correct answer," but added, "The current situation is serious, and the health and lives of the people are absolute values, so policies must be implemented cautiously."

When a reporter said, "Some point out that the conflict is not between the party and the government but between Han Dong-hoon and the government," Han responded, "It seems that some of those voices come from the Presidential Office, but speaking anonymously like that does not seem to improve the situation," and questioned, "I am the party leader. Isn't that right?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the question, "Isn't the postponement of President Yoon Seok-yeol's dinner with the party leadership and his absence from the party workshop an emotional conflict between the party and the government?" he answered, "I have no emotions about that." When asked if he plans to meet President Yoon again, he said, "I have not heard anything separately." This is the first time President Yoon has missed the People Power Party workshop since his inauguration.

About the remarks by pro-Yoon lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong during a special lecture to fellow lawmakers that "Issues cannot be resolved by throwing words around carelessly," Han emphasized, "Regarding important issues, especially when public opinion varies, it is the duty of the ruling party leader to try to reflect that," adding, "That is why 63% supported me during the party convention."

In response to Kwon's claim that a procedure to gather opinions within the party is necessary, Han said, "I proposed such alternatives after discussing with experts within the party," and criticized, "Is it necessary for the party leader to go through a full party member vote or a parliamentary meeting every time he expresses an opinion in an important situation?"

Han also reaffirmed his position that the party should play a mediating role in medical reform, stating, "(The method) would be dialogue and persuasion." He added, "I believe medical reform is necessary. I also think increasing the number of doctors is necessary," emphasizing, "However, during that process, the public's anxiety about health and life must be fully considered and the risks minimized. Most people will agree on that, though there may be differences in recognizing the extent of the situation."