People Power Party Issues Emergency Call Before Legislation and Judiciary Committee... "Will Prevent Unilateral Passage of Public Officials Corruption Investigation Act"

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Atmosphere of Tension in the National Assembly... People Power Party Lawmakers Hold Picket Protest for an Hour

Members of the People Power Party are shouting slogans condemning the Public Officials Corruption Investigation Unit Act in front of the meeting room of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's Bill Review Subcommittee 1 at the National Assembly on the 7th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Members of the People Power Party gathered in front of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee (Legislation Committee) meeting room on the 7th to block the ruling Democratic Party's unilateral passage of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (HCIO) Act amendment. Floor leader Joo Ho-young warned, "We will use all means to oppose this deterioration," creating a tense atmosphere within the National Assembly.

From 9:30 a.m. that day, People Power Party members held a picket protest in front of the Legislation Committee, which was set to review the HCIO amendment. This followed an emergency summons by Floor Leader Joo to party members. They held signs reading "Stop the HCIO Act that tramples democracy," "Stop the HCIO Act that shields power corruption," and "HCIO Act out: pro-Moon Jae-in immunity, anti-Moon Jae-in guilt," opposing the ruling party's move to amend the HCIO Act.

The Legislation Committee planned to hold the first subcommittee meeting at 11 a.m. to review the HCIO Act amendment, which would nullify the opposition's veto power over the HCIO chief candidate recommendation. Earlier, floor leaders from both parties met under the chairmanship of National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok to attempt last-minute coordination. The Democratic Party stated that if the opposition continues to oppose, they intend to pass the amendment unilaterally and have it approved at the plenary session on the 9th.

In response, Floor Leader Joo said, "The principle of National Assembly operation is consensus-based processing, and even at the opening of the session, the Democratic Party agreed to this principle," adding, "But now, with only three days left in the regular session, the Democratic Party has notified that they will unilaterally pass all the reckless and problematic bills they want within two days."

He warned, "Where else can you find such shameless and gangster-like behavior?" and said, "The people are sending a warning card, and even now, they must cooperate. We must elect an HCIO chief that aligns with the people's will, and we will never tolerate unilateral push-throughs."

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