The launch of the bipartisan consultative body between the ruling and opposition parties, which was scheduled to hold its first meeting on the 26th, has fallen into uncertainty amid the political turmoil following the impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo. As of the 25th, the decision on whether to commence the first meeting had not been finalized. The initial agreement was made during a meeting on the 23rd, attended by key figures including the Acting President, the Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik, Kwon Seong-dong from the People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party.
The Democratic Party spokesperson, Han Min-soo, stated that while the party is prepared for working-level discussions necessary for the consultative body’s function, these discussions have yet to occur. Park Sung-joon, the chief deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party, expressed concerns over the People’s Power Party’s lack of readiness, indicating difficulties in formally launching the consultative body as planned.
Both parties have tentatively agreed to attempt working-level negotiations by the morning of the 26th to decide on the operational status of the bipartisan consultative body. A representative from the Speaker’s office emphasized the need for pre-meeting agenda coordination, asserting that the body cannot function without these preliminary discussions.
The ruling party, the People Power Party, views the opposition’s push for the acting president’s impeachment as a potential obstacle to the consultative body’s operation. Kim Dae-sik, their chief deputy spokesperson, questioned the effectiveness of the body amidst impeachment efforts that were not even started yet. Another party representative suggested that responsibility for the consultative body now rests with the opposition involved in the impeachment proceedings.
Even if the body manages to convene on the 26th, significant differences between the parties over issues such as the supplementary budget and appointments of ministers for national defense and public safety may hamper any substantial outcomes.