"'Pro-Myeong' Leader Jeong Seong-ho, Five-Term Lawmaker, Announces Bid for National Assembly Speaker: 'I Will Build a Strong Parliament'"

"The Speaker of the National Assembly Must Actively Lead State Affairs"
"If No Agreement Between Ruling and Opposition, Swift Decision by Majority Vote"

Jeong Seong-ho, a five-term member of the Democratic Party of Korea and known as the leader of the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, has officially announced his candidacy for the Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly's first half.

Jeong Seong-ho, Chairman of the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee, is presiding over the supplementary budget review subcommittee of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee held at the National Assembly on the 1st. Members of the United Future Party are boycotting all National Assembly schedules in protest against the election of standing committee chairpersons and forced assignments. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

On the afternoon of the 8th, Jeong declared his candidacy for the Speaker election of the 22nd National Assembly's first half, stating, "The will of the people in this general election is the realization of an active and 'strong National Assembly' that goes beyond a passive legislature."

Jeong said, "A strong National Assembly is one that faithfully fulfills its legislative and budgetary powers as stipulated by the Constitution and laws, and plays a role in monitoring, controlling, and criticizing the government," emphasizing, "The Speaker of the National Assembly must go beyond mechanical neutrality, prioritize the protection of the Constitution and people's livelihoods, and actively lead state affairs."

He also pledged, "I will ensure strict compliance with the National Assembly Act, including the basic schedule for National Assembly operations, holding standing committee meetings twice a month, and bill subcommittee meetings at least three times a month," adding, "If the National Assembly Act is not observed due to disruptions such as meeting breakdowns, appropriate sanctions will be imposed on those responsible."

Furthermore, he stated, "I will frequently hold government questioning sessions related to people's livelihoods, standing committees, and hearings, and strongly sanction cabinet members who are absent, insincere, or uncooperative in their responses during meetings," and added, "For contentious bills in the area of people's livelihoods, a deadline for agreement between the ruling and opposition parties will be set, and if no agreement is reached, the bills will be promptly processed by majority vote."

He also mentioned constitutional amendments such as the presidential two-term system. Jeong promised, "I will persuade the president and the ruling party to realize a constitutional amendment for a two-term presidency and strengthen the National Assembly's audit and budgetary powers," and pledged, "I will promote the enhancement of citizens' fundamental rights suitable for the Fourth Industrial Revolution era and the inclusion of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement and other elements in the preamble of the Constitution."

He continued, "The National Assembly will actively respond to five major national challenges?Fourth Industrial Revolution, new Cold War, climate crisis, low birthrate and aging population, polarization resolution and balanced development?and establish a permanent cooperative system with the government, experts, and the private sector to lead discussions and prepare for a new future."

Jeong emphasized his outstanding legislative achievements, having served as acting chairman of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, chairman of the Strategy and Finance Committee, and chairman of the Special Budget Committee. He highlighted his accomplishment of processing tax laws and budgets within the period stipulated by the National Assembly Act through bipartisan agreement.

Jeong stated, "During my 16 years as a member of the National Assembly, I have never taken an overseas trip for leisure, and even if I become Speaker, I will minimize such trips," pledging, "I will create a National Assembly where members of the National Assembly shine, not just a National Assembly where the Speaker shines."

The Democratic Party's Election Commission will accept candidate registrations until 6 p.m. today. The election to select the Speaker will be held at 10 a.m. on the 16th.

Besides Jeong, Chu Mi-ae, who will become a six-term member, and members Jo Jeong-sik and Woo Won-sik, who will become five-term members, have also officially declared their candidacies.

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