"Special Prosecutor Law to be Passed on the 14th and Reapproved on the 28th"
Additional Outdoor Rally Under Review
The Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 3rd that it is willing to negotiate the specific details of the special prosecutor law to investigate allegations of stock manipulation involving First Lady Kim Geon-hee and the People Power Party's interference in candidate nominations with the People Power Party.
Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, responded at a press briefing at the National Assembly to the question, "What demands from the ruling party regarding the special prosecutor law are acceptable?" by saying, "There is room for discussion on the content, format, and toxic clauses of the special prosecutor law."
He added, "The Democratic Party will designate November as the 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Month,'" urging Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, to make a decision on the special prosecutor law.
Representative Lee Jae-myung and Floor Leader Park Chan-dae of the Democratic Party of Korea, along with other lawmakers, are shouting slogans at the National Action Day to Condemn Kim Geon-hee and Yoon Seok-youl's State Power Abuse and Demand a Special Prosecutor, hosted by the Democratic Party of Korea, held around Seoul Station in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Until now, the People Power Party has opposed the special prosecutor law related to First Lady Kim, claiming that excluding the ruling party from recommending the special prosecutor is a toxic clause. However, the Democratic Party's floor leadership expressed willingness to sufficiently discuss amendments to this.
However, regarding the appointment of a special inspector proposed by Han Dong-hoon of the People Power Party, the Democratic Party stated, "With the release of the recordings between the President and Myung Tae-kyun, that card is dead," adding, "The only remaining option is the special prosecutor."
The Democratic Party plans to focus all efforts on passing the 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Law' at the plenary session scheduled for the 14th.
To this end, following the large-scale rally held in front of Seoul Station the previous day to urge acceptance of the special prosecutor law, they are considering holding another outdoor rally or staging a sit-in at the National Assembly.
The Democratic Party intends to push for a re-vote at the plenary session on the 28th of this month if President Yoon exercises his veto power on the 'Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Law.' That day also coincides with the Democratic Party's plan to process a national investigation proposal into allegations of obstruction and pressure on the investigation related to the death of Cha Sang-byeong.
Some speculate that the Democratic Party may increase pressure by releasing additional recordings related to President Yoon or allegations of First Lady Kim's interference in candidate nominations.
Regarding this, Floor Leader Park said, "There is a lot of material such as recordings," but added, "As to whether there is the First Lady Kim's voice, I will 'NCND' (neither confirm nor deny)."
Meanwhile, Floor Leader Park, referring to next year's budget review which is about to begin, cited the prosecution's special activity funds as an example and stated, "Unnecessary budgets, budgets the government refuses to review, and budgets that cannot be reviewed due to lack of proper documentation will be boldly cut."
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