Sim Jae-cheol: "Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun Violates Separation of Powers... No Choice but to Reject Consent Proposal"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Ahead of the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Jeong Se-gyun scheduled for the 7th and 8th, the Liberty Korea Party has expressed its intention to reject the appointment approval.

Shim Jae-cheol, the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly floor leader's office on the 5th and said, "Having someone who has served as the head of the legislative branch move to the executive branch as prime minister is a direct violation of the spirit of the separation of powers and would set a bad precedent in constitutional history."

He added, "Through the hearing of nominee Jeong, we plan to thoroughly inform the public why appointing a former speaker as prime minister is inappropriate," and said, "The approval of Prime Minister nominee Jeong, judged by common sense and conscience, must be rejected. The final decision on suitability will be made after the hearing."

He also criticized the Moon Jae-in administration for distorting reality. Shim said, "While the people suffer in their daily lives, the ruling party and government are twisting statistics to paint the economy in rosy colors," pointing out, "Exports have been in the negative for 13 consecutive months, and the nominal growth rate ranks last among the 34 OECD countries, yet they shamelessly lie that the economy is continuously growing."

Shim added, "The Moon administration must abandon wrong economic policies such as income-led growth and properly implement labor policies," and said, "(The Liberty Korea Party) has proposed a people's reform plan that promotes the people's free choice, revitalizes the market, and properly carries out labor and market reforms. If you choose the Liberty Korea Party in the April general election, we will restore the faltering economy to a solid foundation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the appointment of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, he said, "She is the 21st minister unilaterally appointed by the Moon administration," and criticized, "Currently, the prosecution is investigating three major power scandals?the Ulsan mayor case, the Yoo Jae-soo case, and the Our Hospital case?as well as the Cho Kuk family case, but through personnel authority, they intend to neutralize and control the prosecution."

On the Democratic Party's announcement that it will request a plenary session tomorrow to submit the police-prosecution investigation authority adjustment bill and whether they will filibuster (legally obstruct parliamentary proceedings through unlimited debate), he replied, "There has been no talk yet about changing the current stance (filibuster)," and said, "We are observing the overall situation."

When asked if he had discussed with the Democratic Party about withdrawing the filibuster and prioritizing the passage of livelihood bills, Shim replied, "Recently, there has been no proposal to prioritize livelihood bills." Regarding the adjustment of police and prosecution investigation authority, he said, "I believe it is problematic to give the police full authority to conclude primary investigations."

Regarding the Democratic Party's statement that it is considering legal action against obstruction of parliamentary proceedings, he said, "Some of our lawmakers have also been injured," and about the three kindergarten-related laws, he explained, "Amendments have already been submitted," adding, "In some respects, it is excessive legislation beyond an appropriate level."

Regarding the previous day's announcement by Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn on Facebook about his plan to run in a difficult electoral district, he was reserved, saying, "If he says he will go to a difficult district, then I assume he will go to a difficult district."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.