Opposition leader slams President Lee's silence on prosecution powers

A prominent opposition figure in South Korea has sharply criticized President Lee for his silence on a proposed law that would abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers. Jung Jin-suk, the floor leader of the People Power Party, accused the president and the ruling Democratic Party of making a "shameful bargain" at the expense of public safety.

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The president and the ruling party are placing the lives and safety of the people on the scales of political engineering, making a shameful bargain.

Jung questioned why President Lee, who he claims is attentive to even minor details like election deposit fees, has remained silent on this critical issue. He suggested the president fears public backlash and potential criminal investigations if he supports the abolition, but also worries about jeopardizing a deal with hardline Democratic Party members if he opposes it.

"A head of state is evading political responsibility for an act that shakes the foundation of the rule of law," Jung stated, alleging that the president is solely focused on securing his own safety after leaving office. He also criticized Democratic Party lawmakers for rushing to abolish the powers due to pressure from party members and using the issue as a leverage point in their leadership race.

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A head of state is evading political responsibility for an act that shakes the foundation of the rule of law.

"The president and the ruling party are placing the lives and safety of the people on the scales of political engineering, making a shameful bargain," Jung declared. He warned that if the bill passes and the president waives his right to veto, both the government and the ruling party will face a "joint downfall."

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Why is President Lee, who is attentive to even minor details like election deposit fees, silent on this critical issue?