Opposition Expands Attacks on Government Ahead of Chuseok

The People Power Party is ramping up its attacks on the government ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Following the resignation of two out of six appointees in the recent cabinet reshuffle, the party is demanding accountability from the Blue House's personnel and civil affairs teams while also proposing a revision to the Public Election Act aimed at abolishing early voting. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk is focusing on pressing issues such as the recent failure of the online application system and the need for safety nets for platform workers to assert the party's presence as the opposition.
 The People Power Party called for a complete overhaul of the Blue House and cabinet in light of Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik's resignation on September 21. Jang questioned, "Can this situation be resolved by holding one person accountable?" He further challenged, "Aren't the real responsible parties those in the 'Gyeonggi-Seongnam line' who influence the Blue House?" Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Han Seung-sook, who recommended the ministerial candidates, and accountability for the personnel secretary and civil affairs secretary responsible for personnel recommendations and verifications at the Blue House.

The party is also taking steps to address electoral system reforms, particularly in response to the infringement of voting rights during the June 3 local elections and the introduction of a semi-proportional representation system triggered by former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Yong Hye-in. The party's special committee on the June 3 voting rights infringement and election management reform (June 3 Special Committee) has proposed the 'Public Voting Rights Protection Act,' which includes amendments to the Public Election Act and the Election Commission Act. This legislation, which aims to abolish early voting, is being pursued as a party initiative.

Park Dae-chul, chair of the June 3 Special Committee, explained, "This legislation addresses various issues exposed in the electoral system following the June 3 local elections and aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the election management and voting process."

A discussion was also held advocating for the abolition of the semi-proportional representation system, which is said to distort public sentiment and create adverse effects. At the forum hosted by lawmakers Na Kyung-won, Lee Man-hee, Im Jong-deuk, and Kang Myung-gu, Floor Leader Jeong stated, "No citizen chose the Basic Income Party in the general election, yet Yong Hye-in became a re-elected lawmaker and even aspired to a ministerial position under that party's name," emphasizing the need to push for the 'Parasite Party Abolition Act' as a party initiative. Na also pointed out, "We must correct the issues of 'fake opposition parties,' 'satellite parties,' and 'secondary parties' that exploit government subsidies."
 Jang, along with policy chief Im Ija, is actively engaging in the livelihood sector to expand the opposition front. On the same day, they attended meetings focused on issues such as the safety net for platform workers and the recent failure of the online application system.

During a visit to a mobile workers' shelter in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Jang stated, "As we transition into the digital age, the responsibilities you bear are increasing, yet the system is failing to keep pace with these changes." He emphasized, "We will do our utmost to establish systems and policies that adequately protect platform workers."

Im also promised to explore options for creating safety nets, such as mutual aid associations or cooperatives, to prepare for situations where platform workers suddenly cannot work or lose their jobs. He added, "We will also look into institutional measures to prevent unilateral contract changes or suspensions by platforms that harm workers."

Upon returning to the National Assembly, Jang and Im discussed measures to ensure fairness for college entrance exams in light of the recent online application system failure. Jang criticized, "Is it reasonable to simply tell students to 'submit applications in advance' without fixing the system?" He questioned the Education Ministry's assertion that there were no issues since they followed the guidelines, asking, "Are those guidelines truly adequate?" Im emphasized the need to fundamentally correct the operation and management system of the application process beyond just addressing the current issue.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party plans to intensify its offensive against the government ahead of Chuseok. The party will hold a 'Public Report on the Failures of the Lee Jae-myung Administration' on September 22 at the National Assembly, where the leadership will collectively criticize government policies in the areas of livelihood, economy, diplomacy, and security.