Ruling and Opposition Parties Negotiated Committee Formation but Failed Again... Possibility Remains for Negotiations on System Improvement Review Rights

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Kwon Hyun-ji] The chief floor representatives of the ruling and opposition parties held negotiations on the organization of the National Assembly on the 8th but still failed to reach an agreement. Both parties agreed on the need to expedite the organization process, but there were significant disagreements over which side should take the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. However, there were signs that adjustments regarding the committee’s authority and the establishment of a permanent Budget and Accounts Special Committee were being discussed.

On that day, Jin Seong-jun, the chief floor representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Song Eon-seok, the chief floor representative of the People Power Party, met at the National Assembly to negotiate the organization. After the talks, Jin said, "Differences related to the organization issue have been difficult to narrow," but added, "Both parties agreed that a prolonged parliamentary vacancy is undesirable and shared the principle of continuing negotiations to resolve the vacancy as soon as possible."

Song said, "It was difficult to find a consensus," but added, "We share the recognition that opinions must be reconciled within a short period."

At a separate meeting that day, Park Hong-geun, the floor leader, pointed out issues regarding the Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s authority to review the system and organization.

Regarding this, Song said, "At this point, interfering with the functions or duties of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee could cause bigger problems, so we need to approach this cautiously," and added, "Overall, discussions should be limited to the redistribution of standing committees, and reaching a compromise soon is the National Assembly’s responsibility to the people."

On the other hand, Jin said, "It is necessary from the perspective of parliamentary reform," and added, "Since it is closely related to the organization negotiations, it needs to be addressed together." He further mentioned, "Although the Budget and Accounts Special Committee is permanent, it is restricted because it has not become a standing committee, so from the perspective of parliamentary reform, it is necessary to make the Budget and Accounts Special Committee a standing committee."

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