▲ The Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 18th.
The Democratic Party today (18th) urged acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo not to exercise the right to reconsider bills such as the Grain Management Act, which the opposition party independently processed at the National Assembly plenary session.
Anticipating that the government may convene an emergency cabinet meeting as early as the 19th to decide whether to exercise vetoes on six contentious bills including the Grain Management Act, they issued a preemptive warning.
In a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae warned acting authority Han to relinquish any plans to exercise veto rights, particularly regarding public livelihood laws such as the Agricultural 4 Acts. He added that Han should not mistake his acting position for the presidency.
Floor leader Park stated, “If you misuse your power to exercise veto rights, we will not overlook it,” emphasizing, “Acting authority Han should focus on managing the situation and concentrate on national stability without trying to play the role of president.”
Chief Supreme Council member Jeon Hyeon-hee criticized, “A cleaning service is meant to clean,” adding that using an owner’s belongings as if they are one’s own constitutes theft.
Jeon further stated that the acting authority’s powers should be exercised within the range agreed by the people, suggesting that following the public’s orders is the proper course for the Grain Management Act, the six laws, the Special Act on National Uprising, and the Kim Kun-hee Special Act.
She continued, “Exercising veto rights is overstepping,” urging that acting authority Han should not follow the People’s Power Party’s unreasonable orders but adhere to the people’s will.
Democratic Party lawmaker Park Joo-min also proposed an alternative to acting authority Han.
On a radio program, Park suggested, “Perhaps it would be possible not to exercise the veto initially and, if there are issues the government has with the law, let it be promulgated and then propose amendments in consultation with the National Assembly.”
Democratic Party lawmakers from the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, Marine, and Fisheries Committee of the National Assembly are scheduled to hold a press conference at 2 PM in front of the Seoul Government Complex, urging the immediate acceptance of the Grain Management Act and the Agricultural 4 Acts and plan to deliver a letter of protest to the Prime Minister’s Office, asking not to exercise the veto right.
(Photo = Yonhap News)