Kwon Seong-dong: "We Make Generous Concessions, the Responsible Ruling Party Must Make Efforts"

Ruling and Opposition Parties Reach Dramatic Agreement on Assembly Organization
Standing Committee Chairs to Be Elected Following Speaker and Deputy Speaker Selection Agreement

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is giving a speech at an emergency party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Hyunji Kwon] Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 4th, "The Democratic Party accepted in their open party meeting the full election of the Speaker's panel, including the Speaker and Deputy Speakers, through cooperation, and in return, the selection of standing committee chairs will be made by mutual agreement between the ruling and opposition parties."

Floor leader Kwon held an emergency party meeting that day and said, "Our generous concession and decision ultimately stem from the responsibility to normalize the operation of the National Assembly, which is the path for the people and a part that the responsible ruling party must strive for."

He added, "The livelihood issues are very difficult, so it is necessary for the ruling and opposition parties to put their heads together to resolve them," and said, "The members also agreed on this point. I would like to express my gratitude once again."

He also emphasized, "Ultimately, the National Assembly does not exist for the ruling party or the opposition party," and "All members of both parties must keep in mind that it exists solely for the people and the country."

Through the agreement reached that day, the ruling and opposition parties plan to first elect the Speaker's panel and then later agree again to select the standing committee chairs, including the Chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Floor leader Kwon said, "Members must have been frustrated with the National Assembly not being convened," and added, "There is nowhere else to go, and there are limits to studying. Since normalization will happen soon, opening opportunities to reflect various experiences, wisdom, and national governance, please prepare more."

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker position allocated to the People Power Party will be held by five-term lawmaker Jeong Jin-seok until December 31 of this year.

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