"Reform Bills to Be Pushed in December Despite Anticipated Filibuster by Opposition"
Prosecutor Disciplinary Act to Be Advanced "As Soon As Possible"
The Democratic Party of Korea has reiterated its stance that it will submit a request for a parliamentary investigation if an agreement is not reached between the ruling and opposition parties regarding a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged fabrication of indictments and the decision not to appeal in the Daejang-dong case.
At the Democratic Party's general assembly held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on November 13, Floor Leader Kim Byungki stated, "We will gather the collective will of our lawmakers and submit the request for a parliamentary investigation within this week," adding, "If necessary, we will also push for a special prosecutor following the parliamentary investigation." Kim had emphasized the same point earlier that morning during a party strategy meeting.
Previously, the floor leadership of both parties held a 2+2 meeting, attended by the floor leaders and deputy floor leaders of each party, to discuss the parliamentary investigation, but failed to reach any meaningful agreement.
After the general assembly, Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Hyunjung told reporters, "There is agreement between the ruling and opposition parties on conducting a parliamentary investigation, but there are differences regarding its scope and name." She explained, "The Democratic Party insists that the investigation should be conducted by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, while the People Power Party believes it should be handled by a special committee."
When asked whether the Democratic Party would submit the request unilaterally if no agreement is reached, spokesperson Kim replied, "Our basic position is to submit it within this week," adding, "We will continue discussions with the ruling party."
The Democratic Party also plans to process seven to ten reform bills in December, anticipating a filibuster by the People Power Party. Spokesperson Kim said, "Bills such as the crime of judicial distortion, the Constitutional Complaint Act, and the Court Organization Act are likely to be included."
Regarding the timing of the proposal for the Prosecutor Disciplinary Act, spokesperson Kim said, "The timing has not been decided yet," adding, "We plan to proceed as soon as possible."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
