Conflict Between MDP and GNP Rages On

The Millenium Democratic Party (MDP) tried to unilaterally pass bills for the supplementary budget and the revision of gender anti-discrimination laws at the Special Committee on Budget & Account and the House Steering Committee at the National Assembly on August 1. However, the MDP's plans were derailed due to a physical confrontation with the Grand National Party (GNP).

The GNP members occupied the conference halls of the Special Committee on Budget & Account and the House Steering Committee at the National Assembly around 10:00 a.m. and blocked MDP members from entering when they tried at about 11:20 a.m. The Education Committee, which was scheduled to hear the Ministry of Education report on private tutoring, also had their session cancelled due to squabbling lawmakers.

Before the confrontations took place, MDP chairman Suh Young-hoon was allegedly prepared to apologize for railroading the National Assembly Law at the House Steering Committee on July 24. However, after hearing that GNP members were taking a hard-line stance, the MDP cancelled its plans.

Prior to the GNP's occupation of the standing committee conference halls, GNP members held a private meeting and reconfirmed their stand that the MDP must formally apologize and all bills passed unilaterally must be deemed null and void.

Conflicts surrounding the National Assembly are expected to last as the MDP is determined to deal with bills at the Government Administration & Local Autonomy Committee and the Legislation & Judiciary Committee on August 2.

by Lee Su-ho