Han Duck-soo Absent from Government Questioning at National Assembly on the 14th
Speaker Woo Won-shik: "Unilateral Notice... No Negotiation with Floor Leaders"
Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo was criticized as "irresponsible" by Speaker Woo Won-shik for not attending the government questioning session at the National Assembly plenary meeting on the 14th.
At the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido that afternoon, Speaker Woo stated, "The Prime Minister unilaterally notified his absence," adding, "There was no understanding from the two negotiating parties, nor was there permission from the Speaker."
Speaker Woo said, "As far as records show, there has never been a case where either the Prime Minister or the Acting President did not attend," and added, "The government questioning session for this month's extraordinary session was scheduled well in advance."
He pointed out, "It is unreasonable to be absent due to other schedules," and said, "Excuses such as urgent issue handling and checking on livelihood matters are not convincing," emphasizing, "The government vacancy is not something the Prime Minister can fill alone."
He continued, "Does this mean there is no need to communicate and cooperate with the National Assembly?" and said, "Government questioning is conducted according to the Constitution and the National Assembly Act, and it is a session where the National Assembly asks about overall government affairs on behalf of the people."
Quoting Article 62, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution, Speaker Woo emphasized that when requested by the National Assembly or its committees, the Prime Minister, State Council members, or government officials must attend and respond. He added, "Attendance and response at the National Assembly is not something done only when one feels like it," and said, "One cannot help but ask whether the Prime Minister's unilateral absence is a disregard for the Constitution, the National Assembly, or the people."
He stressed, "I emphasize the attendance of State Council members at the National Assembly," and warned, "Such irresponsible behavior must not be repeated."
After Speaker Woo's remarks, when opposition arose from the members' seats, he firmly stated, "It is wrong for government officials not to attend when government questioning is taking place," and added, "Regardless of the party, if you are a member of the National Assembly, protesting against the Speaker who points out the attendance of government officials is not appropriate."
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