National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik (center) poses for a photo with party leaders before a meeting on June 11 in Seoul. From left: Cheon Jun-ho, Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party; Han Byeong-do, Floor Leader; Cho Jung-sik, Speaker; Jeong Jeom-sik, Floor Leader of the People Power Party; Kim Seung-soo, Deputy Floor Leader. [Photo=Yonhap]
On June 22, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik urged party leaders to submit the list of committee members for the second half of the National Assembly by noon on June 24. His intervention comes as negotiations over the composition of the Legislative Affairs Committee have stalled, particularly regarding the chair position.
During a meeting with Han Byeong-do of the Democratic Party and Jeong Jeom-sik of the People Power Party, Cho stated, "We have held six rounds of negotiations among the negotiating groups, but we have not made any progress." He added, "As Speaker, I feel embarrassed about how long we are making the public wait."
Cho emphasized that the negotiations have exceeded the timeline set by the National Assembly Act for appointing committee members and issued a final notice for the submission of the list by June 24 at noon.
In response, Jeong expressed strong opposition, stating, "The submission of the committee member list is not subject to any punitive measures, and there is no obligation to meet the deadline." He referred to past instances where negotiations extended into mid-July, arguing that the current pace is normal compared to previous years.
Jeong also expressed regret over Cho's unilateral deadline, saying, "I am very disappointed that this was said without fully hearing the opinions of both parties."
Kim Seung-soo, Deputy Floor Leader of the People Power Party, pointed out that other matters, such as the Prime Minister's confirmation hearing and the National Assembly's special investigation committee, should take priority. He criticized Cho's directive as being coercive, stating, "The negotiations for committee formation are essentially just beginning."
Conversely, the Democratic Party indicated its intention to proceed with the committee formation by Cho's deadline. Han stated, "We can no longer tolerate the People Power Party's obstruction and delays. If they continue to stall without presenting a specific schedule, we will ensure the National Assembly operates, whether through full committee formation or a partial distribution of roles."
Cheon Jun-ho, Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, added, "The timeline for forming the National Assembly has already been significantly delayed, and we have waited long enough. We allowed about a week for the People Power Party to organize its leadership. Further inaction will hinder the National Assembly's ability to fulfill its responsibilities."
During a meeting with Han Byeong-do of the Democratic Party and Jeong Jeom-sik of the People Power Party, Cho stated, "We have held six rounds of negotiations among the negotiating groups, but we have not made any progress." He added, "As Speaker, I feel embarrassed about how long we are making the public wait."
Cho emphasized that the negotiations have exceeded the timeline set by the National Assembly Act for appointing committee members and issued a final notice for the submission of the list by June 24 at noon.
In response, Jeong expressed strong opposition, stating, "The submission of the committee member list is not subject to any punitive measures, and there is no obligation to meet the deadline." He referred to past instances where negotiations extended into mid-July, arguing that the current pace is normal compared to previous years.
Jeong also expressed regret over Cho's unilateral deadline, saying, "I am very disappointed that this was said without fully hearing the opinions of both parties."
Kim Seung-soo, Deputy Floor Leader of the People Power Party, pointed out that other matters, such as the Prime Minister's confirmation hearing and the National Assembly's special investigation committee, should take priority. He criticized Cho's directive as being coercive, stating, "The negotiations for committee formation are essentially just beginning."
Conversely, the Democratic Party indicated its intention to proceed with the committee formation by Cho's deadline. Han stated, "We can no longer tolerate the People Power Party's obstruction and delays. If they continue to stall without presenting a specific schedule, we will ensure the National Assembly operates, whether through full committee formation or a partial distribution of roles."
Cheon Jun-ho, Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party, added, "The timeline for forming the National Assembly has already been significantly delayed, and we have waited long enough. We allowed about a week for the People Power Party to organize its leadership. Further inaction will hinder the National Assembly's ability to fulfill its responsibilities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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