Seoul: Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party (DP), declared on Wednesday that the ruling party intends to ensure the second half of the 22nd National Assembly adheres to the principle of a "working Assembly." He emphasized that parliamentary procedures will not be used to obstruct state affairs. Han made it clear that he has "no intention" of relinquishing the chairmanship of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, a position that has traditionally been highly contested during negotiations over Assembly leadership, to the opposition People Power Party.
According to Yonhap News Agency, these statements came on the heels of controversial remarks by DP leader Jung Chung-rae, who suggested the possibility of taking all standing committee chairmanships for the ruling party during negotiations over the Assembly's second-half structure. Han had previously expressed similar sentiments. Additionally, Cho Jeong-sik, the DP's candidate for National Assembly speaker, added to the controversy by stating his preference for prioritizing speed over bipartisan cooperation in passing legislation related to the government's agenda.
The DP's assertive approach to managing the Assembly is not unprecedented. However, the emergence of such comments prior to the commencement of formal negotiations over committee assignments raises significant concerns. The statements imply that the ruling party views the opposition not as a collaborative partner in dialogue to achieve broadly acceptable compromises but rather as a hurdle impeding the government's agenda.
This approach of excluding the opposition merely due to its dissent against government policies or legislation is a hallmark of majoritarian dominance, conflicting with the parliamentary democratic principle of checks and balances. Historically, under the National Assembly Act, a party with a majority of seats could monopolize all 18 standing committee chairmanships. Nevertheless, previous Assemblies distributed these positions between ruling and opposition parties based on seat ratios, with the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chairmanship often going to the opposition. This practice was rooted in the belief that power subject to oversight ultimately benefits both the public and the state.
When political conventions are overturned purely through numerical strength, the adverse consequences of unchecked power are inevitable. The DP recently faced backlash when it forcefully advanced a special counsel bill addressing alleged prosecutorial manipulation, leading to criticism that it aimed to nullify the president's criminal indictment. The party eventually had to backtrack.
A genuine "working National Assembly" begins with acknowledging the opposition and engaging in joint deliberation. Speed cannot serve as a justification for excluding dissenting voices, as one-sided rule and legislative efficiency are not synonymous.