Assembly Speaker Woo Expresses 'Deep Regret' Over Opposition's Filibuster Threat

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has voiced strong disappointment regarding the People Power Party's threat to filibuster key legislation, including constitutional amendments and a package of approximately 50 public welfare bills. In a statement on his Facebook page, Woo emphasized that the National Assembly must not become a venue for political obstruction, particularly when it comes to measures that have already garnered cross-party consensus.

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It is very regrettable.

Woo underscored the significance of these bills, noting that they represent promises made to the public and contain the hopes and needs of citizens. He specifically cited the example of a bill to expand the age range for parental leave eligibility, which he received a heartfelt message about from a working mother. This personal anecdote highlights the real-world impact of legislative delays and the urgency with which these matters should be addressed.

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The National Assembly should not become a place that obstructs agreed-upon public welfare bills.

The Speaker found the prospect of a filibuster on constitutional amendments particularly perplexing, questioning the rationale behind such a move when the People Power Party's participation is essential for their passage. He reiterated that filibustering agreed-upon welfare bills deviates from the intended purpose of the legislative process. From our perspective at Hankyoreh, this situation underscores a worrying trend of political gridlock hindering progress on critical social issues. While the People Power Party frames its actions as a procedural necessity, Speaker Woo's appeal highlights the human cost of such political maneuvering, urging a return to responsible governance that prioritizes the well-being of the citizenry over partisan disputes.

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Each bill contains the lives and hopes of the people.