Decision Likely by Applause Instead of Vote
People Power Party: "Conclusion After Listening to Lawmakers' Opinions"
Representative Han Dong-hoon Also Attends Lawmakers' Meeting
On the 14th, the People Power Party held a party caucus to organize its stance on the appointment of a special inspector, a process that has been ongoing for 2 years and 6 months since the launch of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Facing criticism over First Lady Kim Geon-hee and the opposition party's third proposal of a special prosecutor law concerning her, the party is expected to decide on pushing for the special inspector appointment as its official position.
The People Power Party convened a party caucus at 1:30 p.m. at the National Assembly to gather opinions within the party regarding the recommendation of the special inspector. Since a vote on the special prosecutor law concerning First Lady Kim is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the plenary session, the party plans to collect the opinions of its members on the special inspector after the discussion on the special prosecutor law. It is also reported that Representative Han Dong-hoon, who is outside the National Assembly, will attend the caucus.
At the caucus, it is expected that the party will set the promotion of the special inspector appointment as its official stance and urge the opposition party to engage in related negotiations. Although there was speculation that a vote for or against would take place at the caucus, the party decided to follow the usual practice of listening to members' opinions and determining the party stance by applause. Han Ji-a, the chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, told reporters at the National Assembly, "I think there will be discussions regarding the special inspector at the caucus, and we will listen carefully to various members' opinions before reaching a conclusion."
Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, and Chugyeongho, floor leader, are attending the "Emergency Countermeasure Meeting to Prevent Judicial Obstruction by Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party" held at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
The pro-Yoon faction and the pro-Han faction have been at odds over the promotion of the special inspector appointment. However, as allegations of First Lady Kim and political broker Myung Tae-gyun's interference in candidate nominations have spread, voices within the ruling party are growing louder, emphasizing the need for justification to prevent defections from the special prosecutor law concerning First Lady Kim. Moreover, with President Yoon's approval rating hitting a new low and the opposition party's moves toward impeachment, there is a growing atmosphere within the ruling party to avoid mutual destruction and form a united front.
Additionally, President Yoon's change in stance regarding the special inspector and the first trial verdict on Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, for charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and instructing false testimony are also factors uniting the ruling party. Both Representative Han and Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho refrained from comments related to the special inspector at the Supreme Council meeting and instead intensified their attacks on Lee and the Democratic Party.
Jung Sung-guk, a pro-Han faction member and deputy head of the People Power Party's organization department, said on SBS radio that "While there might be some concerns raised about the promotion of the special inspector at the caucus, the prevailing opinion will likely be that it is right for us to move forward together now."
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