Prosecutors' Office Act Submitted to Plenary Session... People Power Party Begins 'Filibuster'

First Candidate 4-term Assemblyman Kim Gi-hyeon

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] As the amendment to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (PCC) Act was submitted to the National Assembly plenary session on the 9th, the People Power Party began a filibuster (legal obstruction of parliamentary proceedings through unlimited debate).

The first speaker was Kim Ki-hyun, a four-term lawmaker. He was also involved in the 2018 allegations of the Blue House's interference in the Ulsan mayoral election.

Lawmaker Kim criticized, "The ruling party, which has betrayed the people's demand for a productive National Assembly through dialogue and compromise as a party of popular will, is trampling on South Korean democracy in collusion with the Blue House," adding, "This is not the rule of law but the most malicious form of autocracy, wearing a mask pretending to uphold the rule of law while engaging in hypocritical acts."

He continued, "Are President Moon Jae-in and the Democratic Party not afraid before history? It has been proven worldwide that absolute power corrupts absolutely everywhere," and sharpened his words, "Permanent rule must be stopped by the National Assembly, regardless of the party." He also said, "The National Assembly is not a rubber stamp nor should it become the Blue House's branch office in Yeouido," and added, "I am witnessing the tragic reality where the history and tradition of the National Assembly are being completely destroyed."

The People Power Party has also applied for a filibuster on the amendment to the South-North Relations Development Act, which includes a ban on leaflet distribution to North Korea, as well as the amendment to the National Intelligence Service Act, in addition to the PCC Act amendment.

However, since the regular session of the National Assembly ends on this day, the filibuster will automatically end at midnight on the 10th. The Democratic Party is expected to convene an extraordinary session on the 10th and hold a plenary session in the afternoon to process the remaining bills.

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