Ruling and Opposition Parties Agree to Operate "People's Livelihood Economy Council"... "Prosecution Reform to Reflect Opposition's Views"

President Lee Jaemyung and Leader Jang Donghyuk Hold First One-on-One Meeting
Positive Review of Youth Employment and Stock Transfer Tax Threshold
Opposition: "Lee Jaemyung Signals Moderation in Prosecution Reform"

On September 8, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae and People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk agreed to operate a "Public Livelihood Economic Council" in order to promote policies for the public good, such as addressing youth unemployment, which both ruling and opposition parties support.

Additionally, the People Power Party stated that President Lee Jaemyung would actively make time for communication if requested by the opposition party leader. The party also announced that it would adjust the pace of the Democratic Party-led prosecution reform by reflecting the opinions of the opposition party.

President Lee Jae-myung is watching Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk shake hands during a luncheon meeting with party leaders at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, held a joint briefing on the results of the "President and Ruling and Opposition Party Leaders Meeting" with Park Suhyeon, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party, at the National Assembly briefing room that afternoon and explained this.

Chief spokesperson Park stated, "Today, at the invitation of President Lee, Leader Jang and Leader Jeong had a luncheon meeting at the Presidential Office from 12:00 to 1:20 p.m., where they had an open and honest conversation about state affairs. The very fact that the chief spokespersons of both parties are jointly announcing the results of today’s meeting in front of the public symbolizes the content and outcome of the dialogue."

Chief spokesperson Park explained that the ruling and opposition party leaders agreed to form a tentatively named Public Livelihood Economic Council at the meeting, adding, "Both sides agreed that the council should not be a mere formality but a themed council capable of producing tangible results. The specific structure will be discussed further through working-level consultations between the parties."

He continued, "The proposal to form the livelihood council was made by Leader Jang and was actively accepted by Leader Jeong and President Lee. President Lee said that since the ruling party holds more power, it would be better for the ruling party, rather than the opposition, to make more concessions. He especially emphasized that if the opposition first proposes joint pledges and the ruling party responds, the opposition will achieve results and the ruling party will achieve administrative success."

Chief spokesperson Park also conveyed, "President Lee said that, for the sake of politics based on harmony and coexistence, he would actively consider making time for communication if requested by the opposition party leader."

Chief spokesperson Park explained that, after the luncheon ended at 1:20 p.m., President Lee and Leader Jang held a private one-on-one meeting for 30 minutes, where they mainly discussed the restoration of politics.

Chief spokesperson Park stated, "President Lee said he would positively review specific public livelihood policy proposals, such as groundbreaking measures for youth employment, raising the threshold for major shareholders subject to stock transfer taxes, and revitalizing the local construction industry, in consultation with the relevant ministries."

President Lee Jae-myung is having a luncheon meeting with the leadership of both ruling and opposition parties at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

After the briefing, chief spokesperson Park met with reporters and said, "During the closed-door meeting, Leader Jang repeatedly emphasized that the nominee for Minister of Education, Choi Gyojin, falls short of public expectations. He also pointed out that while the special prosecutor's investigation is ongoing, the Democratic Party is engaging in activities that infringe on human rights."

He added, "He stressed that President Lee is the right person to put an end to the long-standing cycle of politically motivated investigations. He also expressed strong concern and regret over attempts to extend the special prosecutor's term, establish a special court for insurrection, and significantly increase the number of Supreme Court justices."

He continued, "He also opposed the amendment to the Government Organization Act, which lacks national consensus, and emphasized that the government should devise detailed measures regarding attempts to dismantle the prosecution. President Lee responded that he would ensure the opposition party's stance is reflected."

When asked whether President Lee's remark about listening to the opposition's opinion on the Government Organization Act amendment meant moderating the pace of prosecution reform, chief spokesperson Park replied, "We interpreted it as an intention to adjust the pace."

However, regarding Leader Jang's request for President Lee to exercise his veto power on the special court and special prosecutor amendment bills, he stated, "No definite answer was given."