"An Essential Bill for Achieving KOSPI 5000"
Kim Byungki, the newly appointed floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on June 15, "I intend to prioritize the amendment to the Commercial Act as the first livelihood bill to be processed."
Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly after announcing the appointments to the floor leadership team, Kim emphasized, "The Commercial Act is extremely important, and it is a crucial bill for reaching KOSPI 5000."
He added, "Since addressing livelihood issues is urgent, we will strive to balance livelihood bills, supplementary budgets for people's livelihoods, and reform legislation. We will also activate the Party-Government-Cheongwadae and the Euljiro Committee to ensure that, before processing any bills related to livelihood issues, we simultaneously seek solutions through social dialogue."
When asked whether party-government consultations could begin as early as next weekend, Kim replied, "That is our goal," but added, "I am not sure whether the government will be formed by then." He continued, "When negotiating with the opposition, our first request will be to stabilize the cabinet through early confirmation hearings."
Regarding communication with the opposition, Kim stated, "With the change in administration to the Lee Jaemyung government and the reversal of ruling and opposition parties, the ruling party now seeks to regularize meetings with the opposition." He added, "Centered around our chief deputy floor leaders, we will work to restore dialogue and narrow differences through regular meetings."
On the issue of the People Power Party demanding the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Kim made it clear that he would not accept, saying, "We will adhere to the standing committee operation rules, which stipulate a change every two years." He further explained, "I do not believe that having the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair from the ruling party means communication with the opposition is impossible. Communication is built on mutual trust and dialogue, not on which party holds the committee chairmanship."
Additionally, Kim mentioned that he spoke with President Lee Jaemyung by phone after being elected floor leader on June 13, saying, "He offered words of encouragement and told me to do well."
When asked about the controversy surrounding Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, Kim responded, "I do not consider it a controversy. The person involved is someone I know well. Aside from the nominee's own explanation, we have nothing to add."
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