[fn Editorial] Cooperation? What Cooperation, Ended with Attacks and Slander in the Representative Speech

This year's regular National Assembly representative speeches by the ruling and opposition parties have concluded. The slightest expectation for harmony and cooperation was shattered, and as usual, it ended with continuous attacks on the opposition. Looking back at our politics 100 days after the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung government, it has not improved at all from the previous government and continues to follow regressive politics.

First, Jeong Cheong-rae, the representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, who took the podium on the 9th, lashed out at the People Power Party, saying, "If they do not sever ties with the rebellious forces, they may become the subject of a constitutional court dissolution judgment." Then, on the 10th, Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, who took the podium at the National Assembly, retorted, "They are trying to establish a one-party dictatorship by framing the opposition as a 'rebellious party,' which is their own exclusive patent."

The speeches of the two representatives focused more on threatening and insulting the opposition with abusive language rather than proposing policies for the future. In particular, Democratic Party representative Jeong did not hesitate to overturn the atmosphere of cooperation felt during the three-party luncheon meeting with President Lee Jae-myung the previous day within a day. It seems reasonable for the opposition People Power Party to counterattack by calling them 'hypocritical,' 'two-faced,' and 'a lone dictatorship party.'

The investigation into former President Yoon Seok-yeol's martial law declaration is proceeding without any obstacles as a special prosecutor has been formed. Now, the investigation into the 'rebellion' charges should be left to the special prosecutor, and the political world should focus on people's livelihoods and the economy. However, the ruling party is pushing the opposition into a corner, literally trying to annihilate them. Equating former President Yoon and the involved forces with the entire People Power Party seems like an attempt to cut off the opposition's chances of recovery.

The ruling party is currently pushing everything, including the Yellow Envelope Act, according to their will. The People Power Party, with its minority seats, has lost its ability to resist. The ruling party is poised to control even the judiciary under the guise of reform after abolishing the prosecution. Even though President Lee is ordering them to put the brakes on and adjust the speed, the ruling party's unrestrained rush does not stop.

"Pushing through major legislation without bipartisan agreement, social deliberation, or public consent" is not a wrong statement by floor leader Song. The People Power Party does not oppose prosecutorial reform, and most of the public feels the same way. The ruling party's disregard for the president's words and their rapid push forward seems to express their unwillingness to listen to any dissent, advice, or suggestions.

This should not be the case. Democracy is about listening to and respecting minority opinions. Otherwise, it cannot be said that it is different from authoritarianism and dictatorship. The installation of a special court for rebellion, which is controversial for being unconstitutional, should be decided after listening to opinions from all sectors.

The unilateral drive of the ruling party, which is backed by a majority of seats, is highly likely to cause side effects. Even formally, they should listen to opposing forces and other opinions and go through a deliberation process to gain procedural legitimacy. They should remember that they may one day be hit by a boomerang from the laws and systems they created.