Kwon Seong-dong "Expecting Democratic Party's 'Free Vote' Decision on Han Deok-su Approval"

On the Afternoon of the 20th, the People Power Party Holds a Lawmaker Meeting at the National Assembly

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Ahead of the plenary session for the 'Han Deok-su confirmation vote,' the People Power Party once again requested the Democratic Party to 'consent to the appointment.'

On the afternoon of the 20th, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at a party meeting held at the National Assembly, "The Democratic Party is currently holding a party meeting, but I hope that many reasonable members will speak up and decide on a free vote policy." Originally, the National Assembly planned to hold a plenary session at 4 p.m. that day to vote on the appointment of Prime Minister nominee Han Deok-su, but the Democratic Party's meeting was prolonged, and the time was changed to 6 p.m.

Floor leader Kwon emphasized that the Prime Minister confirmation vote is a secret ballot. He explained, "(The 'complete repeal of the prosecution's investigative powers' bill) was a roll-call vote, so many Democratic Party members could not express their true opinions due to pressure from hardline supporters," adding, "However, the Prime Minister vote is a secret ballot."

He continued, "The National Assembly is in a very difficult situation due to the Democratic Party's unilateral operation of the Assembly," and criticized, "The Prime Minister confirmation has been delayed because of the Democratic Party's unreasonable display of power."

He also pointed out, "This person (candidate Han) has no lack of experience in diplomacy, trade, and administration, and is well known for being diligent to the extent of having the nickname 'workaholic,'" adding, "Judging from the Democratic Party's response so far, they have declared the candidate's downfall based on political logic. They even treated the confirmation as a bargaining chip, saying they would approve if a ministerial candidate was rejected."

Then, floor leader Kwon said, "We have publicly rejected all such proposals from the Democratic Party. It is nothing but stubbornness and old-fashioned behavior. Linking minister and prime minister confirmations is a target for political reform."

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