Ruling Party Refuses to Cooperate on Committee Formation Amid Ongoing Struggle

The People Power Party reiterated on July 2 that it will not cooperate in the formation of the National Assembly's committees for the second half of the term. The party opposes the unilateral distribution of committee positions by the Democratic Party and plans to continue its struggle, including a boycott of the committees.

During a general meeting held at the National Assembly, the People Power Party discussed the formation of committees, the shortage of ballots for the June 3 local elections, and other pressing issues, including the semiconductor cluster in Honam. There were calls for a more robust opposition strategy that aligns with the public's expectations.

After the meeting, Jung Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, told reporters, "I have heard opinions from many people. The conclusion is that we cannot cooperate in the current state of committee formation, and we must move forward with a stronger struggle."

He added, "I believe the Democratic Party insists on passing the special prosecutor law to cancel President Lee Jae-myung's trial. These issues are interconnected, and our party has set a direction for struggle, stating that we will not cooperate in the formation of committees."

Previously, the People Power Party submitted resignation letters from all its committee members in protest against National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik's arbitrary assignment of members to committees. Following the conclusion of the general meeting, the party confirmed it would not cooperate with the Democratic Party's independent operation of committees. However, several senior lawmakers suggested that the party should consider accepting at least seven committees to continue its efforts within the Assembly.

In response, the Democratic Party announced plans to convene a temporary session of the National Assembly in July and held a full meeting of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee in the afternoon, demonstrating its intent to operate the Assembly without the People Power Party. With only 110 seats, the People Power Party lacks sufficient means to counter the Democratic Party's dominance.

During the general meeting, discussions also covered various issues beyond committee formation. Kim Seung-soo, the party's deputy floor leader, stated, "While a national investigation into the ballot shortage is underway, the submission of materials and responses has been inadequate, so we must strongly advocate for a special prosecutor led by the opposition."

There were also calls for a more public-oriented opposition strategy tailored to the people's expectations. It was emphasized that explanations should accompany demands to clarify the context behind the party's messages.

In his opening remarks, Jung stated, "Even if we cannot immediately change the Democratic Party's unilateral actions, our struggle is not meaningless. We must inform the public about the reality of the ruling party's abuses and move the people's hearts to change its arrogant behavior."

As the Democratic Party moves forward with the unilateral election of committee chairs for 11 committees, the People Power Party has made its rejection clear, indicating that relations between the two parties are likely to become even more strained. With the People Power Party struggling to formulate specific countermeasures, the direction of public opinion may complicate the political calculations of both parties.

Meanwhile, ahead of the general meeting, People Power Party lawmakers expressed their protest against the Democratic Party's unilateral operation of the National Assembly by shouting slogans.