"Will Not Stop Driving Change and Innovation"
"Let's Restart the Ruling and Opposition Parties and Government Policy Consultation Body"
Visited Muan Airport as First Schedule After Inauguration
Gwon Young-se, a five-term veteran lawmaker, was appointed as the new Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. Chairman Gwon apologized to the public for the state of emergency and the impeachment crisis of President Yoon Seok-yeol, while emphasizing the swift resolution of the chaotic political situation, party innovation, and bipartisan cooperation. His first official schedule was to visit Muan International Airport in Jeonnam to console the bereaved families.
Kwon Young-se, who was nominated as the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending a party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
On the 30th, the People Power Party announced that Chairman Gwon was appointed as the Emergency Response Committee Chairman with 486 votes (89.01%) out of 546 from the National Committee vote. The party plans to hold a Standing National Committee meeting the next day to appoint Emergency Response Committee members and finalize the establishment of the Emergency Response Committee.
In his inaugural speech, Chairman Gwon said, "I deeply apologize to the people for causing anxiety and concern due to the state of emergency and the presidential impeachment, as the chairman of the ruling party responsible for national governance." He added, "I will not stop the whip of change and innovation," and said, "We will reflect deeply, listen more closely to the voices of the people, and come closer to the people." He further stated, "I believe that if we all unite and work together, we can surely overcome the challenges before us."
He emphasized, "As the global complex crisis continues and the new U.S. administration is about to take office, the international situation is so uncertain that it is difficult to foresee even a step ahead," and "With prolonged domestic demand stagnation, difficulties faced by companies, small business owners, and self-employed individuals remain unresolved. We must quickly stabilize the chaos and unite our efforts to prevent the political crisis from turning into an economic and security crisis."
Chairman Gwon proposed that the opposition party stop political strife and focus on people’s livelihoods. He said, "The ruling-opposition-government consultative body was stranded without even starting due to the impeachment of Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo," and added, "Restoring politics is the most urgent task for the National Assembly now. I propose to promptly restart the ruling-opposition-government consultative body."
He also addressed the Democratic Party and its leader Lee Jae-myung, saying, "I ask for your cooperation as well. If the government is paralyzed by continuous impeachment attempts, the damage will inevitably fall on the people. Please stop the legislative violence."
As his first field visit after inauguration, Chairman Gwon visited the Muan Airport accident site and met with the bereaved families, saying, "I pray for the souls of the 179 victims of this tragedy. My heart is heavy, and I am at a loss for words." He added, "All government officials, including Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, are doing their best to manage the aftermath and accompany the victims on their final journey. The People Power Party will also cooperate to the fullest extent."
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