Floor Leaders of Ruling and Opposition Parties Exchange Views on Three Major Special Prosecutor Bills... Further Discussions Set for the 10th

After President Lee's Luncheon with Party Leaders, Floor Leaders Also Pursue Cooperation
Three Major Special Prosecutor Bills and Government Organization Act
"We Thoroughly Addressed the Key Points"

On September 9, the floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties met to discuss the amendments to the three major special prosecutor bills (insurrection, Kim Keonhee, and Chae Marine Corps). With cooperation emphasized during the luncheon between President Lee Jaemyung and the party leaders of both sides the previous day, the floor leadership also demonstrated efforts to communicate.

Yonhap News Agency

On this day, at the office of the National Assembly Steering Committee Chair in the main building of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, and Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, exchanged views on current issues, including the three major special prosecutor bill amendments. Moon Jinseok, senior deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party, and Park Sumin, a member of the People Power Party on the Steering Committee, were also present.

Although there were no specific details disclosed about the discussions regarding the three major special prosecutor bills, it appears that key issues, such as the extension period for the special prosecutors, were broadly discussed. After the meeting, Assemblywoman Park told reporters, "There was a lot to cover since the amendments to the three major special prosecutor bills are a current issue," adding, "We thoroughly addressed the key points."

Nevertheless, the Democratic Party's plan to process the three major special prosecutor bills at the National Assembly plenary session on September 11 will proceed as scheduled. When asked whether the date for handling the three major special prosecutor bills might be delayed, Senior Deputy Floor Leader Moon replied, "There is no possibility of a delay," and added, "We have agreed to meet again tomorrow for further discussions."

Discussions were also held regarding the amendment to the Government Organization Act. Assemblywoman Park stated, "The government and the ruling party are pushing the amendment to the Government Organization Act rapidly, but the Democratic Party proactively suggested that the National Policy Committee of the National Assembly needs to review the establishment of the Financial Supervisory Commission," adding, "We will take this into account and make sufficient improvements."

The fact that the floor leader of the opposition party was able to share opinions on issues previously led by the ruling party is interpreted as being influenced by the luncheon between President Lee and the party leaders the previous day. Senior Deputy Floor Leader Moon said, "At the luncheon yesterday, the President's intention was for both sides to make concessions and demonstrate cooperation," adding, "We (the ruling party) are discussing with the opposition in a forward-looking manner because we need to reorganize the government structure to support an environment where the new administration can work effectively."

Meanwhile, as the motion to arrest Kwon Seongdong, a member of the People Power Party, was reported to the plenary session on this day, a vote could take place as early as September 10, but this seems unlikely. Once the motion to arrest is reported to the plenary session, a vote must be held within 24 to 72 hours. Senior Deputy Floor Leader Moon stated, "On the 10th, the opposition party's floor leader will deliver a keynote speech, so it would not be appropriate to put the arrest motion on the agenda for a vote."

Regarding whether there was any discussion about the selection of Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, as the opposition secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Senior Deputy Floor Leader Moon said, "When we are discussing the Government Organization Act, this is too minor an agenda item," drawing a clear line.