The Regular National Assembly Session Sets Sail... Turmoil in Politics Over Lee's Prosecutor Appearance, Budget, and Legislation

September National Assembly Opens for 100 Days Until December 9
Lee Jae-myung Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike, to Appear Before Prosecution on 4th
Ruling Party: "Hunger Strike to Avoid Judicial Processing"

The ruling and opposition parties engaged in a power struggle over political leadership rather than 'cooperation' during the 21st National Assembly's last regular session and the second under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. In particular, with Lee Jae-myung expected to appear before the prosecution on the 4th, the political climate is anticipated to freeze sharply again over issues such as the arrest warrant motion. On the first day of the regular session on the 1st, the Democratic Party held an all-night members' meeting and reaffirmed their resolve through an 'Emergency Action Report' to stop the marine dumping of nuclear waste from Fukushima, while the People Power Party criticized Lee Jae-myung's indefinite hunger strike, calling it a 'hunger strike to avoid judicial processing.' This regular session, which will last 100 days until December 9, is expected to see fierce spear-and-shield battles between the ruling and opposition parties over major issues ahead of the general election in April next year.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the second day of his hunger strike, Lee Jae-myung spoke at the Supreme Council meeting held at the hunger strike tent in front of the main government building, saying, "Many have asked if it really has to be like this," and added, "There is nothing else I can do besides this (hunger strike). I absolutely cannot tolerate the regression and recklessness of the current administration, the abandonment of people's livelihoods, and the neglect of state affairs, nor can I overlook this unilateral behavior. There is no other way to stop it." He continued to criticize the government regarding the Fukushima nuclear wastewater and next year's budget formulation. He said, "It seems about 820 billion won related to Fukushima is being allocated in the budget, but wouldn't it be better to gather this money and give it to Japan, demanding that they solidify and store it?" and urged, "I call for a drastic shift in budget formulation and the national policy direction."

From the previous evening, the Democratic Party conducted a 1-night, 2-day overnight sit-in protest criticizing Japan's marine discharge of Fukushima nuclear wastewater. Out of the total 168 members of the Democratic Party, 118 participated, forming four groups by standing committees from midnight to discuss countermeasures against the contaminated water for two hours each.

At the all-night members' meeting, Lee said, "Today, I stand at the forefront of what the people want to do to judge this ruthless administration and restore democracy," adding, "I believe there is no other way but to fight because the Republic of Korea and the lives of its people are collapsing due to the ruling party and the president, and this is the maximum effort I can make, so I chose this path." He emphasized, "The Democratic Party must succeed. If we, as representatives of the people as stipulated by the constitution, fiercely carry out the tasks entrusted by the people on the front lines, we will surely be able to stop their ruthless and principle-less behavior."

The Democratic Party vowed to show its role as a 'responsible opposition party' through government questioning from the 5th to the 8th, the state audit continuing from the 10th to the 30th of next month, as well as budget reviews and personnel hearings. In particular, they intend to pass the 'Special Safety Measures Four Acts for Responding to Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater,' which was adopted as party policy, as well as the 'Yellow Envelope Act' and the 'Broadcasting Three Acts' during this regular session, which may lead to severe confrontations with the People Power Party opposing these measures. The political tension over the government's submission of the 656.9 trillion won budget for next year is also expected to be intense. The Democratic Party demands an increase of more than 6% in total budget expenditure and has stated that the budget cannot be passed as originally proposed.

The People Power Party views the Democratic Party's aggressive stance against the government as an attempt to cover up the party's judicial risks. Lee Jae-myung is expected to appear before the prosecution on the 4th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized Lee at a floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, saying, "Ahead of the regular session, he suddenly pretends to be a victim and goes on an indefinite hunger strike," and added, "Lee's hunger strike can only be seen as a hunger strike to avoid judicial processing, to block internal conflicts over the arrest warrant motion, and to defend his party leadership."

Secretary-General Lee Cheol-gyu also said, "It is obvious to anyone that the opposition leader, who holds an overwhelming majority of seats in the National Assembly, deciding to go on a hunger strike just one day before the regular session, which is full of pressing livelihood issues, is nothing but a bulletproof hunger strike to obstruct the rule of law investigation procedures regarding his criminal charges," and urged, "The last means to prevent the destruction of democracy is not a bulletproof hunger strike but Lee's resignation. Lee should quit politics instead of starving himself."

The People Power Party plans to focus on supporting the three major reforms in pensions, labor, and education, as well as realizing the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's national agenda. During this regular session, they announced they will carefully manage the 'budget for four guardians for the socially vulnerable, safe jobs, and the future.' Floor leader Yoon emphasized, "What we must do as the regular session begins today is to inject economic vitality and alleviate the people's suffering, not to waste taxpayers' money," adding, "The People Power Party will devote itself to revitalizing the economy and carefully managing people's livelihoods. We will thoroughly reject populism, fake news, and false agitation, prevent fiscal leakage, and strive to normalize national finances."

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