Justice Party Lawmakers Jointly "Proportional Representation Mass Resignation Vote, Stern Warning on Shortcomings... Deep Apology"

Held a Press Conference on the 5th to Apologize to Party Members and Citizens
Promise to Implement Three Key Livelihood Tasks and Four Major Reform Tasks

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The members of the Justice Party bowed their heads, saying they "take the rejection of the 'proportional representative lawmaker mass resignation vote' proposal on the 4th as a very serious warning about the shortcomings of the parliamentary group."

The entire Justice Party parliamentary group (Emergency Committee Chair Lee Eun-ju, and lawmakers Bae Jin-kyo, Kang Eun-mi, Ryu Ho-jeong, Jang Hye-young) held a press conference at the National Assembly on the morning of the 5th, stating, "Despite difficult circumstances, we have greatly disappointed the party members who have devoted themselves to the cause for the poor and oppressed, as well as the citizens who have supported and expected the role and responsibility of the Justice Party. We once again bow our heads and deeply apologize."

The previous day, the Justice Party announced at a National Assembly briefing that the "recommendation for the resignation of five proportional representation lawmakers" was rejected with 40.75% in favor and 59.25% against in the party member referendum.

They said, "We should have stood alongside citizens and fought fiercely against the climate crisis that triggers widespread inequality, discrimination, and various disasters threatening citizens in our society, but we fell short. Despite the concerns and criticisms sent by citizens, there is affection and expectation for a better progressive party."

They added, "Like the ground hardening after rain, we will move forward through reflection. We will stand more responsibly before party members and citizens," pledging their commitment.

Regarding future plans, the parliamentary group emphasized, "Starting from the regular National Assembly session, we will focus on three major livelihood tasks and four major reform tasks to protect workers, the homeless, tenants, and small business owners suffering from household debt, thereby upholding the essence of the Justice Party."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked about "specific innovation plans," Lawmaker Bae Jin-kyo said, "We will focus on solving the three major problems of 17 million precarious workers, the homeless, tenants, and small business owners and SMEs barely overcoming the COVID-19 crisis but now facing a new economic crisis. From the perspective of improving the lives of the most marginalized and suffering people in our society's changes, working with these groups will be the starting point of Justice Party innovation."

Regarding internal calls for accountability, he said, "Our party has faced crises over the past decade for various reasons, and the recommendation for proportional resignation was one aspect of overcoming this crisis. Since the vote ended yesterday, I think it is time for party members to unite their strength and work together in the direction of party innovation and parliamentary group renewal rather than focusing on responsibility issues."

Earlier that day, the Justice Party Emergency Committee stated in a meeting, "We will take the will of the party members shown through the referendum seriously and innovate more responsibly. The Emergency Committee regards the referendum result not as a vote of confidence but as a final warning for thorough self-reflection, and will ensure that the parliamentary group serves strictly within the party system." The Justice Party plans to finalize the resolution for re-founding at the delegates' meeting on the 17th after discussion.

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