United Future Party: "If the ruling party seizes the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, it will be 'parliamentary dictatorship'... We will resolutely oppose"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 13th, the United Future Party stated, "The Democratic Party of Korea, with its 176 seats, can hold a majority in all standing committees. It can pass any bill or budget," adding, "The Legislation and Judiciary Committee is the last bastion to protect parliamentary democracy."

Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the United Future Party, said in a commentary that day, "The intention to take control of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, traditionally held by the main opposition party, is a declaration to create a 'Tongbeopbu' (a compliant legislative body)," and asked, "Are they trying to write a new history of parliamentary dictatorship?"

He pointed out, "The Democratic Party, which forcibly convened a single-party session without the consent of the main opposition party for the first time in 53 years, has now rolled up its sleeves for an arbitrary organization of the National Assembly for the first time in 32 years," and added, "The Democratic Party and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok have declared that they will proceed with the organization of the National Assembly by any means necessary this coming Monday."

He continued, "During the 18th National Assembly, when the Democratic Party was the opposition, the selection of standing committee chairs was completed as early as August 26," and added, "At that time, our party, which was the ruling party, made every effort until the end to adhere to the principles of parliamentary democracy, including dialogue, compromise, and respect for minority opinions."

Spokesperson Bae said, "Our party cannot but resolutely oppose this. Three-term lawmakers have resolved that if they cannot protect the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, they will relinquish their standing committee chair positions," and urged, "The Speaker of the National Assembly, the last guardian of parliamentary democracy, should deeply contemplate this."

He added, "The Democratic Party only shouts 'Parliament according to the law.' Article 1 of the National Assembly Act states, 'The purpose of the National Assembly Act is to contribute to the democratic and efficient operation of the National Assembly, the representative body of the people,'" and said, "I hope they deeply consider what is truly 'democratic' in the spirit of the law."

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