[2022 National Audit] Deadlock Between Ruling and Opposition Over Gyeonggi-do Data Submission... 1 Hour 40 Minutes Recess

On the 18th, the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee held a government audit session for Gyeonggi Province at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office.

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] On the 18th, during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province, the ruling and opposition parties engaged in a heated debate over 'data submission,' resulting in a 1 hour and 40 minute recess.

Members of the People Power Party argued at the audit held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office that the audit could not proceed because Gyeonggi Province did not properly submit the data, demanding a 'postponement of the audit' along with the 'accusation of Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province.'

In contrast, the opposition Democratic Party countered that the People Power Party was indiscriminately demanding data submission without considering privacy protection and judicial processes, stating that this is not a 'national audit of delegated state affairs.'

People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong said, "According to the current National Assembly Act, if a state agency refuses to submit data, the relevant minister must appear before the committee to explain and discipline the responsible personnel," adding, "The Minister of the Interior and Safety should be made to explain, and disciplinary action should be taken against the Governor of Gyeonggi Province."

He continued, "Those who refuse to submit documents without justifiable reasons are subject to imprisonment or fines," and added, "I request the committee to file a complaint against Governor Kim Dong-yeon."

People Power Party lawmaker Lee Man-hee also said, "We requested the status of special appointment public officials, the status of corporate cards held by Gyeonggi Province from 2018 to 2022, and the expenditure status of Gyeonggi Province's business promotion expenses, but the data was not provided," and questioned, "If they say it is not a delegated state affair and refuse to provide data, how can the audit proceed?"

In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Seong-man pointed out, "Should all requested data be provided? Considering personal privacy protection and judicial processes, it may be refused."

Another Democratic Party lawmaker, Moon Jin-seok, said, "Gyeonggi Province is also audited by the Board of Audit and Inspection. Requesting data even for investigations conducted by investigative agencies is problematic," and mentioned the argument about the uselessness of local government audits, saying, "This is why the uselessness of local government audits is being raised."

During the Public Administration and Security Committee audit that day, Democratic Party lawmakers also expressed dissatisfaction with the biased conduct of the meeting by Chairman Lee Chae-ik of the People Power Party.

Chairman Lee said, "Today's audit is not only the 100-day audit of Governor Kim Dong-yeon but also the audit of former Governor Lee Jae-myung. There should be no boundaries in conducting the audit. Dividing sides undermines the National Assembly's audit," seemingly supporting the claims of People Power Party lawmakers.

In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Gyo-heung said, "The union at the Gyeonggi Provincial Office also requested a policy-oriented audit, but seeing what is happening now, today seems to be a very 'special day,'" warning, "While data submission is important, do not drive the audit into political strife."

He added, "Gyeonggi Province has various issues related to investigations, but I believe it is not necessary to submit all of these."

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