‘Geomsuwanbak’ Prosecution Office Act Amendment Passed in Plenary Session…People Power Party Begins Filibuster (Comprehensive)

172 in favor, 3 against, 2 abstentions
People Power Party members absent from vote
Democratic Party also submits Criminal Procedure Act
Likely to be processed at the temporary National Assembly on the 3rd of next month
People Power Party urges Park Byeong-seok to resign

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] The amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act, which reduces the prosecution's direct investigative authority, passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 30th. If the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act is also processed on the 3rd of next month, the 'Geomsu Wanbak' legislation promoted by the Democratic Party of Korea will be completed.

On the same day, the National Assembly held a plenary session and passed the amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act, which reduces the scope of the prosecution's direct investigative authority from the existing six major crimes to two major crimes, including corruption and economic crimes. The bill was approved with 172 votes in favor, 3 against, and 2 abstentions out of 177 attendees, including members of the Democratic Party, the Justice Party, and independents. Members of the People Power Party strongly opposed and did not participate in the vote.

This bill was also submitted to the plenary session held on the 27th. The People Power Party attempted to block it through a filibuster (unlimited debate), and the Democratic Party countered by splitting the session, resulting in the session ending at midnight on the same day. As the new temporary session began that day, the vote was held immediately. This is in accordance with the National Assembly Act, which stipulates that if unlimited debate ends with the session's conclusion, the agenda must be voted on immediately in the next session.

On the same day, the Democratic Party also submitted another 'Geomsu Wanbak' bill, the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act. The People Power Party again requested unlimited debate, with Representative Kim Hyung-dong as the first speaker. However, as with the previous plenary session, the Democratic Party shortened the session, resulting in automatic termination at midnight. The Democratic Party plans to hold a temporary session on the 3rd of next month to pass the bill.

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the members' meeting held before the plenary session, "We must uphold the agreements with a heavier sense of responsibility and complete the reform of power institutions," adding, "We must promptly push forward the bipartisan agreement to legislate the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency within six months and abolish the remaining direct investigative authority of the prosecution within one year by activating the Special Committee on Judicial Reform."

On the other hand, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at the members' meeting, "The Democratic Party, with 171 seats, is forcing through the 'Geomsu Wanbak' evil law, which faces strong public opposition, by trampling on the National Assembly Act procedures and the spirit of the National Assembly Advancement Act without a single public hearing or debate," and urged Democratic Party members, "Do not become accomplices or neglecters of this evil law against the will of the sovereign people; I earnestly appeal to you to cast dissenting votes according to your conscience."

Subsequently, members of the People Power Party visited the Speaker's office in protest, demanding the resignation of Speaker Park Byeong-seok and insisting, "Follow the National Assembly Act."

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