"Even the Democratic Party Feels the Strain"
Support No Longer Unconditional
The confirmation hearing for Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, scheduled for January 19, has become uncertain as the ruling and opposition parties continue to clash over the submission of hearing materials. The Democratic Party of Korea insists that the hearing must be held as agreed by both parties, while the People Power Party argues that the submitted materials are insufficient and is calling for the hearing to be postponed.
Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is arriving at the confirmation hearing office set up at the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Kang Jinhyung
According to political sources on January 18, Lee has expressed her views on expansionary fiscal policy and the current economic situation in her written responses to the National Assembly's request for confirmation hearing materials.
The allegations raised so far against Lee include: ▲ fraudulent apartment applications ▲ real estate speculation in Yeongjongdo ▲ abusive language and power harassment toward aides ▲ evasion of gift tax ▲ preferential treatment for her child’s military service.
Im Ija, a member of the People Power Party and chair of the National Assembly’s Planning and Finance Committee responsible for Lee’s confirmation hearing, declared on January 16 that the hearing would not be held, stating that Lee had failed to submit the required materials. Previously, on January 13, the ruling and opposition parties had agreed during a full committee meeting to hold the confirmation hearing for Lee at 10 a.m. on January 19.
Choi Sujin, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in a commentary that “the allegations surrounding the nominee have already surpassed the boundaries of common sense,” adding, “This is not a matter for a parliamentary hearing, but a situation that requires an immediate investigation.”
Choi also pointed out, “The nominee is attempting to neutralize the parliamentary hearing by refusing to submit even the minimum required materials,” and questioned, “What more does the National Assembly need to verify in this situation?” She called on President Lee Jaemyung to immediately withdraw the nomination of Lee.
If Chair Im decides not to hold the confirmation hearing on January 19, the Democratic Party of Korea is expected to push ahead, with its secretary presiding over the hearing based on the National Assembly Act. According to Article 50 of the National Assembly Act, if the chair refuses to convene the committee or conduct proceedings, or fails to appoint a deputy, the secretary from the negotiation group with the largest number of committee members-excluding the chair’s group-shall act as chair.
If the Democratic Party of Korea proceeds with the hearing, the People Power Party plans to boycott entirely.
Meanwhile, even if the confirmation hearing ultimately fails to take place, the president may still proceed with the appointment according to the relevant law. Article 6 of the Confirmation Hearing Act stipulates that if a confirmation hearing for a cabinet nominee is not conducted within the designated period, the president may repeatedly request the National Assembly to submit a hearing report. If the report is still not submitted, the president may appoint the nominee.
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