"The Acting President Is Not Upholding the Constitution"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, told Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, to "be careful," while Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Sung-ho said, "Isn't this an extreme expression of the (people's) demand for national stability?"
On the 20th, Jung said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "The people want the chaotic situation to end quickly. Acting Prime Minister Choi should demand a swift conclusion from the Constitutional Court for national stability." He added, "As Acting President, he receives protection equivalent to that of the president, so what is there to be careful about?"
Jung also said, "(Lee's remark) may not sound very pleasant, but isn't he the Acting President?" He pointed out, "The Acting President, who exercises the president's authority and bears the greatest responsibility in Korea, is not abiding by the constitution." He continued, "The Constitutional Court declared that not appointing Ma Eun-hyuk as a Constitutional Court justice is unconstitutional. Then shouldn't it be followed?" and said, "Isn't Lee expressing the public's anger on their behalf?"
Regarding the ruling party's criticism of Lee's 'be careful' remark, he said, "It seems like an excessive reaction to this level of political expression," adding, "Rather, members of the People Power Party are currently attending various rallies attacking the Constitutional Court and judicial institutions, which has become commonplace. The People Power Party should stop such behavior first."
He added, "Although Lee's expression was somewhat excessive, the constitutional order is currently being destroyed by the president," and said, "This is merely a strong criticism of Acting Prime Minister Choi not fulfilling his duties."
At the party's Supreme Council meeting on the 19th, Lee criticized Acting Prime Minister Choi for not appointing candidate Ma, saying, "When the National Assembly recommends a candidate for Constitutional Court justice, it is mandatory for the president to appoint them." He added, "The Constitutional Court has confirmed this, but the obligation has not been fulfilled so far. Acting Prime Minister Choi is above the constitution." He warned, "Even the president can be punished if they destroy the constitutional order while in office. Anyone can arrest Acting Prime Minister Choi as a criminal in the act," and said, "I hope he will be careful."
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