Joo Ho-young Meets Yoo Young-min: "Please Ensure Pardon Contributes to National Unity"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, said during his first meeting with Yoo Young-min, the new Chief of Staff to the President, regarding the pardons of former presidents, "I ask that the conclusion be reached in a way that contributes to national unity."

On the afternoon of the 6th, Joo held a meeting with Chief of Staff Yoo at the People Power Party floor leader’s office and said, "Arguing about this issue for too long could rather damage the aspect of national unity that pardons provide."

He added, "Pardons are an exclusive authority exercised only by the president," and said, "I ask Chief of Staff Yoo to review all related matters carefully so that no one feels uncomfortable over this issue and that the conclusion contributes to national unity."

Joo emphasized the opposition party’s stance, saying, "(The two former presidents) are elderly and have been imprisoned for a long time, so a pardon is necessary, especially given that over 1,000 people were infected with COVID-19 in the detention center, and it is already quite late," and added, "Lee Nak-yeon, the leader of the Democratic Party, raised the issue first, and after the Democratic Party went through debates over pros and cons, it seems that we were somewhat humiliated."

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the president who talks about "cooperation." Joo said, "Whenever I meet the president, he always talks about cooperation and the permanent consultative body between the ruling and opposition parties, but from our perspective, it seems to be just words," and criticized, "It is very unfortunate that there is almost no politics."

Chief of Staff Yoo responded, "Last year, during many difficult times, Floor Leader Joo and the People Power Party helped a lot, and the budget was passed," and said, "Even if there are disputes over issues, at least to make the people feel comfortable, cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties must happen."

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