Lee Nak-yeon "Reallocation of Standing Committees? We Should Not Waste Time When There Is Much to Do"

Lee Nak-yeon Press Conference on 31st
"United Future Party Inconsistent on Parliamentary Issues"...Effectively Rejects Redistribution
"Bipartisan Cooperation to Occur in Four Special Committees on Emergency Economy, Balanced Development, Low Birthrate, and Energy"
"Emergency Disaster Relief Fund Likely to Be Provided in Customized Manner"
"Consider How Much Medical Staff Strikes Will Hurt the Public's Hearts in the Future"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] On the 31st, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, virtually dismissed the Future United Party's demand for the redistribution of National Assembly standing committee chairmanships, stating, "I do not think it is wise to repeat the twists and turns that continued from May to July."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the same day, when asked about his stance on the redistribution of standing committee chairmanships, Lee said, "The statements from the Future United Party or Floor Leader Joo Ho-young regarding the National Assembly (standing committee) issue were not necessarily consistent," expressing this view.

He added, "There have been many complications because of this over several months. With the regular session of the National Assembly starting, there are many things to be addressed, so I hope we do not waste time repeating these complications," he said.

Lee also mentioned, "I instructed Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon to meet with Floor Leader Joo soon to discuss," and added, "I asked him to quickly identify the true intent behind Floor Leader Joo's remarks and find common ground."

Regarding bipartisan cooperation, he said, "Substantive cooperation means that both ruling and opposition parties work together to create agendas in the National Assembly. Cooperation is not separate from the National Assembly," and added, "The four special committees on emergency economy, balanced development, low birthrate, and energy, which the Democratic Party proposed and Floor Leader Joo agreed to, can address many important issues such as livelihood support and balanced development."

He continued, "Some say the Future United Party's change in their party platform is a 'left turn,' but if that happens, their platform could become closer to ours," and said, "We could quickly extract what is agreeable and legislate it."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding economic legislation, Lee stated that it will be pursued according to the 'Five National Commands' (▲Overcoming COVID-19 ▲Supporting Livelihoods ▲Preparing for the Future ▲Unified Politics ▲Accelerating Innovation) announced in his acceptance speech. He said, "The third command, preparing for the future, is important for economic legislation," and added, "This includes fostering new industries that will emerge in the post-COVID era and deregulation reforms or relaxations."

He further said, "I believe the bio-health industry is one of the promising sectors. I also think legislation necessary for the smooth promotion of the Digital New Deal and Green New Deal can be included."

Regarding the emergency disaster relief fund payment plan, he said, "We are seriously considering a tailored support plan to find and assist those who are suffering livelihood hardships and facing greater difficulties due to COVID-19," and added, "The specific scope will be determined through consultations between the party and government," emphasizing selective payments.

On the issue of multiple homeowners within the party, he said, "I understand that voluntary disposals for one-home ownership are underway. The floor leader has already requested all members to voluntarily cooperate with that guideline, and I believe it is happening autonomously," and promised, "I will soon check the progress. If the pace is slow, I will find out why and ensure it proceeds quietly but swiftly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked about his willingness to hold a summit meeting between ruling and opposition leaders, Lee said, "I think it is good to have meetings with the Blue House. However, depending on the adjustment of specific agendas and who the parties involved are, prior preparation is necessary," he said.

He added, "I believe the more active the dialogue, the better," and said, "Speaker Park Byeong-seok also expressed his wish that Chairman Kim Jong-in of the Emergency Committee and I have meals and talk at least once a month, and I fully agreed that it is a good idea."

Regarding the background of the recent party appointments, Lee said, "The most important thing was to institutionalize repeated promises to have youth and women participate in the party's decision-making process," and added, "Compared to previous appointments, I think this is somewhat more prominent, and although the regional balance for Yeongnam is not perfect, I believe it has been somewhat reflected."

On the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections, he said, "We will responsibly decide whether to participate in the elections after handling urgent matters first, and not too late."

When asked about his stance on the resident doctors' strike, he said, "It is unimaginable that medical professionals would neglect patients at the brink of life and death," and added, "I hope they protect the medical field even now, and that the government continues sincere dialogue as promised." He also said, "I hope they consider how deeply the public will be hurt in the future if medical professionals abandon the medical field at a time when people feel anxiety about health and life."

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