Lee In-young: "No One in the Party Has Ever Talked About Constitutional Amendment... The Opposition Distorts Our Intentions"

"Plenary Session on the 8th to Handle Livelihood Bills"
Regarding the Possibility of Satellite Party Negotiation Groups, "It Is Not Desirable"
Term Ends on the 7th... The Most Regrettable Point Is "Hwang Kyo-ahn's Hunger Strike and the Fast-Track Incident"
On the Labor Sector's Proposal for a 'National Employment System,' "We Understand the Intent but Need to Review Whether the Concept Is Appropriate"

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee In-young, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized that "now is not the time to discuss constitutional amendments." Regarding the nationwide employment insurance system demanded by labor groups, he expressed practical opposition, saying, "I understand the intention, but whether the concept is appropriate needs to be reviewed." As his term as floor leader ends on the 7th, he cited the Fast Track (rapid processing agenda) incident escalating into political strife as the most regrettable aspect during his tenure.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 3rd, Lee responded to a question about the United Future Party opposing the proposal to hold a plenary session on the 8th, claiming it was to escalate the constitutional amendment issue, by saying, "I hope you understand it as a desire to process even one more livelihood bill."

Lee stated, "No one in our party leadership has ever said we should pursue constitutional amendments," adding, "We have sufficiently explained this position to the opposition. Despite that, claiming it is to escalate the constitutional amendment controversy distorts the true intention."

He continued, "According to the Constitution, the National Assembly must vote on a constitutional amendment proposal within 60 days from the date of its announcement. That deadline is May 9," adding, "By the 8th, the procedural conclusion process should have been completed."

He reiterated, "As you all know, now is not the time to discuss constitutional amendments," emphasizing, "We must devote all efforts to overcoming the economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and there is absolutely no reason to waste national strength on unnecessary constitutional amendment controversies."

Regarding the United Future Party forming a negotiation group through a satellite party, he said, "Since the Democratic Party and the Together Citizens' Party have entered the merger process, I think it is right for the merger process to be completed," adding, "I do not think it is desirable to have a satellite negotiation group following a satellite party."

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a press conference at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Regarding the 'nationwide employment insurance system' demanded by labor groups such as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, he said, "I can understand the intention, but whether the concept is appropriate needs to be considered," adding, "I understand the concerns, but I hope there will be further review on whether it will truly become employment insurance for all citizens. I do not use the term nationwide employment insurance system."

He said, "The most urgent matter is the legalization of the National Employment Support System," adding, "I hope this system will be prioritized even in the next National Assembly," and "Bills that can extend the employment support period and increase the amount will be necessary."

Reflecting on his time as the floor leader of the Democratic Party in the 20th National Assembly, Lee said, "The most regrettable thing was the Fast Track process," adding, "While we were conducting bipartisan parliamentary diplomacy regarding the Korea-U.S. defense cost-sharing negotiations, Representative Hwang went on a hunger strike in front of the Blue House, and Na Kyung-won, the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, returned early, so we could not have many discussions."

He continued, "At that time, it was true that even within the Liberty Korea Party, there were ideas similar to the (4+1 negotiation group) within the election law, so I regret that it turned into political strife and confrontation."

Lee said, "When I first became floor leader, my leadership foundation was weak. Some said it would be difficult to demonstrate strong driving force," adding, "But looking back at the end, I feel I did quite a lot." He added, "Although we won the general election, we have many burdens to bear. COVID-19 is just beginning," and said, "The Democratic Party must work harder. Starting with myself, I will respond to the COVID-19 economic battle with the attitude of a private soldier."

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