Ruling Party, from Senior to New Members, Oppose State Audit (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kwon Hyun-ji] On the 15th, the ruling party held a closed-door meeting of first-term lawmakers chaired by Floor Leader Joo Ho-young to gather public opinion regarding the opposition party's demand for a state audit on the Itaewon accident. Although it was not a 'unanimous' decision, the majority expressed opposition to accepting the state audit. With senior lawmakers with three or more terms, second-term lawmakers, and now first-term lawmakers opposing the state audit, the possibility of negotiations with the opposition party seems to be disappearing.

Jeon Ju-hye, who represented the first-term lawmakers in the meeting with the floor leadership, told reporters immediately after the meeting, "We collected and conveyed the opinions of first-term lawmakers regarding whether to accept the state audit, which has become a pressing issue. Many expressed that acceptance would be difficult."

The meeting was not held with all first-term lawmakers present but was conducted in the form of six secretaries, including Jeon, meeting with the floor leadership.

Jeon stated, "The reason for opposition is that this is a 'smokescreen bulletproof state audit' aimed at deflecting the investigative focus from Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea," adding, "Considering the act by The Tam Sa and pro-Democratic Party media outlets of publicly releasing the list of 155 victims of the disaster without the consent of the bereaved families, many believe this state audit is ultimately intended to politically exploit the tragedy of the Itaewon disaster."

However, it was reported that there were some opinions in favor of acceptance. Jeon said, "There were various opinions, and not everyone agreed on 'non-acceptance,'" but added, "While there were some in favor, the overwhelming majority found acceptance difficult to the extent that it is hard to call it support."

Some voices argue that the ruling party should comply with the opposition's demand for a state audit due to difficulties in budget negotiations. Regarding this, Jeon said, "Whether to negotiate will be decided by the floor leadership," and added, "Currently, first-term lawmakers oppose the smokescreen bulletproof state audit."

With not only senior and second-term lawmakers but also first-term lawmakers expressing opposition to the state audit, the possibility of negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties over the audit has diminished. Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "Looking at yesterday's atmosphere, 16 out of 18 senior lawmakers are firmly against acceptance, so what negotiation is needed?"

Regarding the possibility of the ruling party switching to support the state audit, he dismissed it, saying, "I don't think so." Although one person expressed conditional acceptance, the public opinion opposing the state audit is overwhelmingly strong.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the three opposition parties met with National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo to demand the formation of a special committee for the state audit, but Speaker Kim postponed the decision, saying the ruling party needs to be further persuaded.

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