Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated today that if the People Power Party, which is boycotting parliamentary schedules in protest of the Democratic Party's unilateral formation of the National Assembly, continues to ignore the livelihoods of the people, the party will be forced to make a grave decision.
During a floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly today, Acting Leader Han said, "I am deeply sorry to the public that the National Assembly has come to a halt due to the irresponsible dereliction of duty by the People Power Party."
He further pointed out, "Due to the People Power Party's meaningless boycott, 59 livelihood-related bills, the Special Counsel Act for the National Election Commission, and follow-up legislation for the three major mega-projects are all being held up."
Previously, as negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties over the formation of the National Assembly reached a deadlock, the Democratic Party unilaterally elected its own members as chairs for 11 out of the 18 standing committees and special committees at the end of last month. In response, the People Power Party has been boycotting standing committee activities.
The Democratic Party has previously mentioned that if the People Power Party does not return to the National Assembly, it could also take the remaining 7 standing committee chair positions.
Meanwhile, regarding the possibility that Homeplus, which is facing a risk of bankruptcy, may secure 200 billion won in emergency funds, Acting Leader Han said, "It is fortunate that a spark of recovery has been rekindled," and added, "I look forward to a forward-looking decision from the board of directors of Meritz (the largest creditor)."
He also mentioned that the day after tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the death of a teacher at Seoi Elementary School, emphasizing, "Only when teachers are protected in their legitimate educational activities and can guide students with conviction can we also protect the precious educational and learning rights of children."
(Photo: Yonhap News)