Kwon Seong-dong "Proposed '2+2 Talks' for Assembly Formation, but Democratic Party Responded 'Premature'" (Summary)

"Yielding Should Be Done by Those Who Have"
Concerns That It Could Recur in 2020

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the current issue inspection meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Hyunji Kwon] Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, announced on the 21st that he proposed a '2+2 meeting' to the Democratic Party for an agreement on the National Assembly leadership structure, but it was virtually rejected.

After the current affairs inspection meeting on the same day, Kwon said to reporters, "Since no agreement was reached in the meeting between the deputy floor leaders, I proposed to escalate it to a meeting between the floor leaders or a 2+2 meeting, but the Democratic Party responded that it is premature at this time."

In an earlier meeting, Kwon also rebutted the Democratic Party, which was demanding 'concessions,' saying, "You need to have something to give in order to make concessions." When the People Power Party requested a marathon meeting the day before, the Democratic Party said they should first present a concession plan. Regarding this, Kwon pointed out, "It is nothing but a threat saying they will not negotiate unless the existing ruling and opposition agreement is broken."

He continued, "The Democratic Party has everything. They can convene a plenary session and standing committees alone and pass bills," adding, "They can even neutralize minority party checks such as the agenda adjustment committee and filibuster through disguised party withdrawal and splitting the session." He then emphasized, "If this is not enough, the opposition says they want government dismantlement and budget dismantlement. Concessions should be made by those who have."

He also said, "The National Assembly could have been normalized last year through a ruling-opposition agreement because the Democratic Party, which had everything, conceded even the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee," and warned, "If the Democratic Party insists on having more, the National Assembly will continue to be in an abnormal deadlock."

Kwon warned that the year 2020, when the Democratic Party monopolized all standing committee chairmanships including the Speaker of the National Assembly, could be repeated.

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