The Democratic Party has warned that the People Power Party will face judgment from the public and history for its refusal to participate in the parliamentary vote on a constitutional amendment on May 7.
During a meeting of party lawmakers on May 8, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae criticized the opposition for labeling the proposed phased constitutional amendment as hasty. He pointed out that the People Power Party was absent during the crucial parliamentary session where the amendment was first discussed. "The People Power Party was not there to fulfill its historical responsibility," he said.
Jung added, "The opposition's rejection of the amendment does not align with the expectations of the public or history. The people will not forgive this. History will not forgive such actions either. I believe the People Power Party will be judged in the upcoming local elections."
Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, also criticized the People Power Party for making its decision to abstain from the vote a party line, thus suppressing individual lawmakers' conscience and judgment. "By doing so, they have deprived the public of their opportunity to make a choice," he said, urging the opposition to recognize their shame.
He further noted that following the constitutional amendment, the opposition has requested unlimited debate on 51 livelihood-related bills. "While opposing the amendment, they have hindered the future of South Korea and declared a strike against the processing of these bills," Han stated. "There is no sense of responsibility for the nation or the people's livelihoods. We will take all possible measures to address the issues that the People Power Party has neglected."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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