PPP Senior Lawmakers Agree to Continue Boycott of Standing Committees After Meeting with Floor Leader

Senior lawmakers of the People Power Party (PPP) met with Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sik today and reached a consensus that the party should continue its boycott of the National Assembly schedule regarding the formation of standing committees.

After meeting with 12 senior lawmakers today, Floor Leader Jeong told reporters, "I spent nearly 50 minutes with the senior lawmakers, listening to their thoughts on the special counsel investigation into the infringement of voting rights caused by the shortage of ballots, as well as the formation of the National Assembly." He added, "The general consensus is that we cannot abandon the special counsel recommended by the opposition party, and there is also the question of whether it is appropriate to participate in the formation of the National Assembly under the current circumstances."

When asked if there was any possibility of the ruling party participating in the formation of the National Assembly, Floor Leader Jeong replied, "It is difficult to say prematurely, as we need to discuss it again at the general meeting of lawmakers this afternoon." However, he added, "I believe the thoughts of our senior lawmakers and those of the other lawmakers are likely almost in agreement."

It is reported that Floor Leader Jeong primarily listened to the opinions of the senior lawmakers during the closed-door meeting.

Four-term lawmaker Kim Do-eup told reporters after the meeting, "There was much discussion regarding the point that since the Democratic Party of Korea holds both the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chairmanship and the National Assembly speakership, and has stated there is 'no room for negotiation' on the abolition of supplementary investigation powers, saying they will proceed as they wish, what meaning would there be for the PPP to participate in the standing committees?"

He further explained, "While the negotiation on the formation of the National Assembly is important, the National Assembly's role is to engage in legislative activities that protect the lives and property of the people. Since the ruling party's bill to abolish supplementary investigation powers is a 'bill to protect criminals' and a 'bill to neglect crime victims,' the discussion centered on whether it is the duty of the National Assembly to block this, regardless of who holds the standing committee chairmanships."

The Democratic Party of Korea has unilaterally formed some standing committees and has begun to accelerate its legislative agenda. While the PPP is currently boycotting the standing committee schedule, there are some within the party who argue that they should enter the National Assembly to fight from within.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.