On the 14th, Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do criticized People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, saying Jang has been making shockingly coarse remarks for a party leader day after day. He called the behavior appalling, accusing Jang’s rhetoric of being nothing more than slander, smear campaigns and black propaganda.
At the policy coordination meeting that day, Han said Jang appears to be acting out of desperation and accused him of dragging President Lee Jae-myung — who is working to restore normalcy to the country — into irresponsible obstructionism.
He also reproached Jang for dismissing the government’s fuel-price relief payments as 'vote buying' and for labeling Democratic candidates for provincial governor as 'gae-ddal picks,' asking, "Can’t you see the people fighting for survival on the brink amid soaring fuel and overall prices triggered by the prolonged situation in the Middle East?"
Han added that, even with an election approaching, politicians must respect clear boundaries and party leaders must maintain at least a basic level of dignity. He urged that, even if someone lacks ability or qualifications, they should at minimum present a policy pledge that can serve as a basis for voters’ choices.
He said the June 3 local elections are about selecting officials who will drive regional development. "The Democratic Party will seek voters' support solely on the basis of competence and vision," he said, and added, "I hope the People Power Party comes to its senses."
Referring to Rep. Cho Jung-sik and Rep. Nam In-soon, who were chosen the previous day as the nominees for speaker and deputy speaker for the second half of the 22nd National Assembly, he said the second-half Assembly will be a strong supporter of efforts to restore normalcy and boost people’s livelihoods.
He said the Democratic Party will move quickly to complete the election of the new leadership so the chair team can begin work on the 30th, and pledged to promptly finalize the lineup of standing committee chairs for the second half of the term to ensure there is no gap in legislation affecting people’s livelihoods.
On the two-day candidate registration period for the June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections that began that day, Han stressed the need to strengthen local governments and revive the local economy alongside the capable Lee Jae-myung administration. "Democratic Party candidates deliver results. When local governments perform well, communities prosper and people's livelihoods improve," he said.
He added that local power backed by President Yoon Suk-yeol has, over the past four years, become synonymous with incompetence and irresponsibility and has damaged local communities. "Democratic Party candidates are the best choice to revive regions and restore normalcy to the Republic of Korea together with the capable Lee Jae-myung administration," he said.
