“Preparedness to Accept Opposition Proposals Is Essential”
On August 28, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated regarding President Lee Jaemyung’s proposal for a meeting with the leaders of both ruling and opposition parties, “If an official proposal is made, we will review it at that time.”
At a press conference held at the Incheon International Airport Corporation’s Human Resources Development Center, where the party’s workshop was taking place, Jang said, “We have not yet received an official proposal,” and made these remarks.
On this day, immediately after returning from his visits to the United States and Japan, President Lee instructed that a meeting with Leader Jang be arranged without delay. Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, conveyed, “After President Lee arrived in Seoul today, he gave instructions directly to Woo Sangho, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs.”
Jang emphasized, “I do not consider a gathering where several people share a meal and exchange pleasantries to be a summit meeting,” adding, “The format and agenda are the most important factors.”
If a formal proposal for a meeting is made, his position is to determine their stance after consulting on the format and agenda. Jang explained, “Although the Korea-US summit has concluded, there needs to be an explanation of what agreements were reached and what was exchanged. Furthermore, for the summit meeting to have meaning, the ruling party must be prepared to accept at least some of the proposals made by the opposition.”
Regarding the possibility of continuing a boycott during the regular National Assembly session in September, Jang set the ruling party’s willingness to cooperate as a precondition. He said, “Judging from the rejection of the People Power Party’s recommended candidate during the National Human Rights Commission selection yesterday, there is no willingness to cooperate. If it is determined that both ruling and opposition parties are willing to sit down and cooperate, we have no intention of refusing to do so.” He added, “If the ruling party continues to unilaterally pass bills and block the opposition’s statements, we will have to seriously consider whether persuading the public within the National Assembly is truly effective.”
Regarding the remaining party appointments, Jang stated that they would be finalized in a way that party members and the public can accept. The People Power Party plans to complete major appointments, such as the nomination-based Supreme Council member and Secretary-General, this week. Following his appointment of first-term lawmaker Park Juntae as chief of staff the previous day, Jang assigned first-term lawmakers Park Sunghoon and Choi Boyoon as chief spokespersons on this day.
Regarding the meeting held that morning with senior lawmakers, Jang said, “There were differing opinions on methods of unity and inclusion,” and added, “We will achieve unity by adhering to principles and procedures.” Jang believes that the seeds of division, which have been pointed out as a chronic problem within the party, must not remain.
Meanwhile, spokesperson Kang commented on the use of the term “summit meeting” by some in political circles, stating, “Summit meeting is a term used in the past during an era of authoritarian political culture. Now, we use the expression ‘meeting between the president and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties’ to define the nature of such encounters.”
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