"As the ruling party, we will take responsible politics until the end"
"It is inappropriate to act like the Democratic Party ruling party"
Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, has effectively rejected Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea's proposal to form a 'National Stability Consultative Body.'
On the 15th, Kwon told reporters at the National Assembly regarding questions about the National Stability Consultative Body, "The People Power Party is still the ruling party. As we have done so far, we intend to continue responsible politics as the ruling party through party-government consultations," expressing a de facto refusal. This is interpreted as meaning that they will continue the 'party-government consultation' method, where the ruling party takes the lead, rather than a consultative body involving the opposition party.
Earlier that day, Lee proposed the formation of a bipartisan cooperative body involving the National Assembly and the government, called the National Stability Consultative Body, at a press conference in the morning. Lee emphasized, "More than ever, an active and proactive role of the government is necessary," adding, "As the first party in the National Assembly, the Democratic Party will not hesitate to engage in bipartisan cooperation to resolve economic instability, including market stabilization and investment protection measures." The Prime Minister's Office also responded positively to Lee's proposal immediately.
However, Kwon criticized Lee's proposal, saying that he is "acting as if he has become the ruling party." He said, "The Democratic Party has only been interested in how to bring down the Yoon administration," and added, "It is inappropriate to act as if the Democratic Party has become the ruling party or the person responsible for national governance after the impeachment."
He also expressed his determination to fulfill responsibilities as the ruling party. Kwon said, "The People Power Party is still the ruling party, and whether through the high-level party-government council or the working-level party-government meetings, we will maintain a responsible attitude as the ruling party until the end of the Yoon administration's term." Lee had previously referred to the current situation under the presidential acting system by saying, "The ruling party has disappeared, and there is no opposition party either."
Meanwhile, the People Power Party denied a media report that former Saenuri Party leader Kim Moo-sung was being considered as a candidate for the next emergency committee chairman, calling it 'fake news.' Park Soo-min, spokesperson for the People Power Party floor, said, "Whether pro-Yoon or senior members, there has been no discussion about the emergency committee chairman, and there has been no discussion with former leader Kim."
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