[21st General Election] Except for Constitutional Amendment... Ruling Party Can Unilaterally Pass All Other Bills

Leading Bill Passage... Bills Not Passed in Standing Committee Can Be Moved Alone in Patt
'21st National Assembly' with Reduced Casting Vote Influence... Cooperation Likely Attempted Ahead of Presidential Election

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee In-young, floor leader, and Woo Hee-jong, election committee chairman of the Together Citizens' Party, are placing election winner stickers on the elected candidates at the comprehensive vote counting situation room set up in the National Assembly on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The 20th National Assembly, which earned the notorious title of the "worst National Assembly," is coming to an end, and the 21st National Assembly will begin this June. The public sentiment from the April 15 general election has handed legislative power to the ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea. A "supermajority" ruling party has emerged, securing over 180 seats, surpassing a simple majority, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape.

As of 10 a.m. on the 16th, with a nationwide vote count rate of 99.9%, the Democratic Party and its proportional representation party, the Deobureo Citizen Party, have secured 180 seats on their own. Considering additional proportional seat allocations, the final number of seats is expected to exceed 180. The main opposition party, the United Future Party, along with its proportional party, the Future Korea Party, have secured 103 seats.

The significance of holding 180 seats, which corresponds to three-fifths of the total 300 seats in the National Assembly, is considerable. The "three-fifths of all members" threshold is the standard for exercising the National Assembly’s exclusive powers such as enacting and amending laws and reviewing budgets. Holding a simple majority alone allows for the unilateral passage of bills and budgets on the plenary session agenda. Furthermore, if a single party holds 180 seats, it can independently process virtually all bills starting from the standing committees. Even if there are large differences between ruling and opposition parties causing bills to stall in committees, the ruling party can unilaterally place them on the fast-track (speedy processing agenda) for passage. It can also neutralize filibusters (legitimate parliamentary obstruction through unlimited debate) by opposing parties.

With such absolute authority going to the Democratic Party, the 21st National Assembly is expected to see the ruling party firmly take the lead in political affairs. The Moon Jae-in administration, now in its mid-to-late term, has secured legislative power following local governments, gaining a strong ally. This increases the likelihood of the government actively pushing forward its planned national agenda, including prosecutorial reform.

Initially, based on stable seat acquisition and public support, the ruling party is expected to focus on resolving the economic crisis caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Legislation aligned with the current administration’s measures, such as disaster basic income payments and supplementary budgets, can be passed. Tax reforms, including real estate measures, are also anticipated. The Moon administration has been seeking stronger real estate policies to curb housing prices but was repeatedly blocked by the opposition in the 20th National Assembly. There is also a high possibility of pushing forward with chaebol reform bills, such as amendments to the Commercial Act.

Efforts to reform the failed election law are also expected. The mixed-member proportional representation system, introduced to break the two-party system, ultimately resulted in entrenching the two-party system due to various loopholes. Having led election law reform, the ruling party is likely to take firm control and amend it. They may also attempt constitutional amendments that include restructuring the power dynamics by rallying pro-government forces.

However, as the ruling party’s power grows, there are assessments that the scope for cooperation has diminished. Unlike the 20th National Assembly, where cooperation with minor opposition parties was essential, the ruling party’s unilateral authority has increased. Although the Justice Party secured some seats, the influence of the third parties, which could act as casting voters, has significantly decreased. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Nevertheless, the Democratic Party will extend a hand to the opposition, including the United Future Party, because the presidential election remains," adding, "This could also justify the Democratic Party passing laws unilaterally."

He emphasized, "While extreme confrontations are inevitable, the United Future Party cannot obstruct effectively. Their resistance will be much less effective compared to the 20th National Assembly, making it practically difficult to control the Democratic Party. However, even under the premise that cooperation is not achieved, the Democratic Party must demonstrate maturity to the public through efforts at cooperation."

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