People Power Party Adopts Hardline Stance Against Ruling Party's 'Insurrectionist Party' Offensive—Considers Filibuster

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Da Ye On Oh—With the first anniversary of the December 3 Martial Law approaching, the People Power Party (PPP) is set to intensify its resistance as the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is expected to escalate its offensive, labeling the PPP as an 'insurrectionist party'.

Choi Soo-jin, the PPP's chief spokesperson for parliamentary affairs, told reporters after a general assembly at the National Assembly on the 24th, "There is consensus that, as the main opposition party, we must take a hardline stance, as the DPK is expected to continue pushing through harmful legislation."

She added, "It has been decided that all matters will be entrusted to the parliamentary leadership."

Regarding specific measures, Choi explained, "There was broad discussion about the need to inform the public through actions such as a filibuster (unlimited debate) on judicial reforms, including the expansion of Supreme Court justices."

Asked whether the party would filibuster all bills, she responded, "Some believe that is the only option available to us as the opposition. Most agreed that we should no longer simply act as a rubber stamp."

Choi predicted that the DPK's offensive would intensify around the December 3 martial law anniversary next month.

On the issue of the DPK's decision not to appeal the Daejang-dong trial verdict, Choi said, "We have been continuously calling for a parliamentary investigation, but the DPK keeps making excuses and evading responsibility. The final decision on how to proceed will likely be made at a meeting of parliamentary leaders this afternoon (24th)."

Regarding the scheduled vote on the arrest motion for former floor leader Chu Kyung-ho at the plenary session on the 27th, Choi stated, "We will, of course, reject it."

On livelihood-related bills expected to be tabled alongside the arrest motion, she said, "We plan to negotiate with the DPK," adding that the decision on whether to filibuster will be made internally within the party.

Responding to DPK lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae's statement that, "If necessary, we will initiate constitutional procedures to have the PPP designated as an unconstitutional party subject to dissolution," Choi expressed concern, saying, "At this point, we cannot predict what the DPK might do."

She added, "We believe the case involving former floor leader Chu is being used as a starting point to brand us as an insurrectionist party. This is not just a challenge to Chu, but a threat to our entire party, which is why calls for a hardline response have emerged."

dyo@yna.co.kr

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