United Future Party "Questioning the Appropriateness of Constitutional Amendment Discussions... Should Focus on Livelihood Issues"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 17th, the United Future Party rejected the proposal by National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok to officially initiate constitutional amendment discussions on Constitution Day, stating that "the timing is questionable."

United Future Party spokesperson Bae Jun-young said in a verbal statement that "what the 21st National Assembly should focus on is not the exhausting constitutional amendment discussions but addressing the people's livelihood."

Earlier, Speaker Park proposed during the Constitution Day commemorative ceremony in the morning, "Considering the upcoming political schedule, next year is the right time for constitutional amendment," and suggested, "Let's fully start the constitutional amendment discussions once we overcome the COVID-19 crisis."

Spokesperson Bae responded, "It is natural for the constitution to reflect the demands of the times and the spirit of the era," but added, "Given that the people are suffering more than ever due to COVID-19, and with numerous pressing issues such as the strained inter-Korean relations, it is questionable whether the timing of constitutional amendment discussions is appropriate."

He said, "At the very least, it should start after social consensus and agreement between the ruling and opposition parties are formed," and added, "Perhaps this is because public criticism of the presidential system has recently increased."

Floor spokesperson Bae Hyun-jin also opposed the proposal in a statement, saying, "What should take precedence over constitutional amendment is engraving the essence of the constitution's spirit of serving the people."

Floor spokesperson Bae pointed out, "The constitution's provisions begin with the people first, followed by the National Assembly and the president," and criticized, "But the 21st National Assembly is going in reverse order amid the stigma of being a rubber stamp and branch office of the Moon Jae-in Blue House."

He continued, "The National Assembly must remember again that it is the people's mission and the highest constitutional institution to make laws and thoroughly monitor and check government power," emphasizing, "Even now, it must reclaim the essence of checking and monitoring presidential power."

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