South Korea's Democratic Party to Reform Filibuster, Fast-Track Systems for 'Working Assembly'

South Korea's Democratic Party intends to reform the filibuster and fast-track legislative processes, aiming to foster a more productive National Assembly. The party's acting leader and floor leader, Han Byung-do, announced these plans, criticizing the opposition People Power Party for what he described as obstructionist tactics.

Han Byung-do stated that the People Power Party initiated the current session with a filibuster, accusing them of neglecting public welfare to obstruct investigations into alleged state affairs manipulation. He argued that filibusters, designed to protect minority opinions, should not be used as a tool to halt parliamentary proceedings without valid reason or timing.

“

The People Power Party started the second half of the National Assembly's term with a filibuster. They are neglecting public welfare and trying to obstruct the truth about state affairs manipulation, even if it means staying up all night.

To address this, the Democratic Party proposes allowing the National Assembly speaker to terminate a filibuster if the number of attending lawmakers falls below one-fifth of the total membership. This measure aims to prevent situations where parties initiate filibusters but then fail to maintain a quorum in the assembly hall.

“

The filibuster is a system to protect minority opinions, not a means to stop the National Assembly arbitrarily without reason or justification.

Furthermore, the party plans to drastically reduce the time allocated for the fast-track system. Currently, the process can take up to 330 days, involving 180 days in standing committees, 90 days in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and 60 days before being put to a plenary session vote. The Democratic Party aims to shorten standing committee review to 60 days, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee review to 15 days, and ensure bills are immediately put to a vote in the first plenary session after being referred.

Han Byung-do expressed determination to pass the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill, overcoming what he called "irresponsible filibusters." He reiterated the party's commitment to creating a National Assembly that "works properly for the public welfare."

“

We will overcome irresponsible filibusters and pass the second comprehensive special prosecutor bill. We will create a National Assembly that properly works for the public welfare.