On the Last Day of the National Audit, Ruling and Opposition Parties' Expressions: "Legislative Cooperation Needed" vs "Special Prosecutor Must Be Accepted"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 26th, effectively the last day of the National Assembly audit, the positions of the ruling and opposition parties diverged. While the government and ruling party focused on post-audit matters such as legislation and budget review, the main opposition party, the People Power Party, defended Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and emphasized the need for a 'special prosecutor.' Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the opposition People's Party, demanded the dismissal of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on social networking services (SNS) that "the National Assembly audit ends today," adding, "Now that 'budget' and 'legislative' activities are beginning, cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, as well as between the National Assembly and the government, is more urgently needed than ever." He mentioned, "We will boldly correct what needs to be fixed from the public's perspective and actively seek cooperation from the National Assembly where necessary," emphasizing that "in the COVID-19 crisis, cooperation rather than political strife is required."

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also said at the Supreme Council meeting that "this audit minimized the attendance of audited institutions and shortened the schedule due to the impact of COVID-19. I appreciate the hard work of the lawmakers, aides, and party officials," and stressed, "From now on, we will fully engage in legislative and budget reviews." He added, "This is a very critical phase for our society to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and prepare for the future," urging, "Please deliver tangible results in reform legislation, livelihood legislation, and future legislation, and do your best to review and process the budget bill."

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is touching his mask while giving an opening remark at the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the other hand, the People Power Party continued its offensive for a 'special prosecutor.' Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, said, "No matter how much the Minister of Justice exercises the authority to direct investigations and forms a new investigation team to probe the Lime and Optimus scandals, who can trust the results?" He strongly urged the government and ruling party to accept the special prosecutor proposal submitted by his party to ensure the investigation reaches a level that the public can accept.

He also criticized, "Watching the ruling party lawmakers' questioning of the Prosecutor General at last week's Supreme Prosecutors' Office audit, I questioned whether such a scene is normal in a country practicing parliamentary democracy," and pointed out, "I cannot help but suspect the background behind the ruling party's attitude of wanting to 'force out' the Prosecutor General appointed by the president."

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