Luncheon Meeting with Leaders of Five Non-Negotiating Opposition Parties
On the 3rd, President Lee Jae-myung held a luncheon meeting with the leadership of five non-negotiating opposition parties, where he discussed the issue of pardons and reinstatements for politicians, including former National Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk, as well as workers.
President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo before having a luncheon meeting with the leadership of five opposition parties at his residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 3rd. From the left, Yoon Jong-oh, floor leader of the Progressive Party; Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party; Chun Ha-ram, acting party leader of the Reform New Party; Kim Sun-min, acting party leader of the National Innovation Party; President Lee; Kim Jae-yeon, standing leader of the Progressive Party; Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party; Seo Wang-jin, floor leader of the National Innovation Party. Photo by Presidential Office Press Photographers Group Yonhap News
Woo Sang-ho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, said in a briefing that afternoon, "Some leaders of the five opposition parties recommended to President Lee the pardon and reinstatement of politicians, including former leader Cho Kuk, and workers who have suffered various damages at the hands of the prosecution."
Woo added, "There are currently a significant number of workers, such as construction workers and Cargo Truckers Solidarity Union members, who are serving prison sentences. There was an argument that a generous pardon and reinstatement for these individuals is necessary." He continued, "In response, President Lee instructed a fact-finding investigation and called for active dialogue with labor groups."
The Innovation Party, which launched a roundtable of the five opposition parties including the Democratic Party during the presidential election period, stated, "We hope you will achieve greater reform and greater unity through coalition politics," and added, "We earnestly hope that the Presidential Commission for Social Grand Reform, as agreed upon at the roundtable, will be established and implemented swiftly." In response, President Lee said he would consider establishing and operating the Social Grand Reform Commission.
Political reform was also raised as an agenda item at the luncheon. Regarding concerns within the opposition about prosecutorial reform following recent personnel appointments in the prosecution, President Lee emphasized that he himself has been the greatest victim of political prosecution and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to prosecutorial reform.
Kim Sun-min, acting leader of the National Innovation Party, stated at the meeting, "The people should no longer have to shed tears of blood due to the abuse of prosecutorial power by political prosecutors. The public's desire for prosecutorial reform is desperate. I believe now is the right time for reform."
Kim continued, "I expect you to carry on the will of President Roh Moo-hyun regarding prosecutorial reform, strengthen the achievements of the Moon Jae-in administration, and overcome the limitations of democratic governments. Please become the first president of Korea to complete prosecutorial reform."
Chun Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform New Party, said, "Changing the investigative system and judicial system requires determination, but it is also important to consider how much adaptation period to allow and how to minimize side effects. Investigations do not only target politicians; ordinary citizens can also be affected and investigated. Therefore, it is crucial that the judicial system is well-designed and operates smoothly. Rather than pushing ahead unconditionally in a rush, as we experienced during the process of handling the amendment to the Commercial Act, we should proceed with sufficient dialogue and discussion."
Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, said, "Reform of power institutions or prosecutorial and judicial reform is no different from livelihood reform," adding, "Depending on judicial decisions, the lives of workers and citizens can change. Since institutions are redesigned based on judicial rulings, reform measures are essential for restoring people's livelihoods."
The luncheon at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, was attended by Kim Sun-min, acting leader, and Seo Wang-jin, floor leader of the National Innovation Party; Kim Jae-yeon, leader, and Yoon Jong-oh, floor leader of the Progressive Party; Chun Ha-ram, acting leader of the Reform New Party; Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party; and Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party.
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