Kwon Seong-dong "Party Decision on Impeachment Motion to Be Made Tomorrow, But No Way to Enforce It"

"Decision Based on National Stability and Alleviating Public Anxiety"

Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 13th that regarding the party's stance on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, "I will discuss with the lawmakers and make a careful decision."

Kwon plans to gather opinions from lawmakers at a general meeting on the 14th and then decide on the party's stance to respond to the impeachment motion vote in the plenary session. However, there are concerns that the opposing party stance may not gain much traction due to lawmakers who have publicly announced their support.

Regarding this, Kwon said, "Many people expect that," and added, "Once the party stance is decided, as the floor leader, I can only appeal for compliance. There is no way to enforce it."

In response to the criticism, "Is it right for the party to oppose impeachment as a party stance when President Yoon is willing to face impeachment judgment?" Kwon replied, "The president has his position, and the party has its position," adding, "We are only judging what is best for managing the party's crisis and protecting the constitution."

He emphasized, "What matters is after tomorrow," stating, "The situation does not end with tomorrow's impeachment vote; we will do our utmost to manage the national crisis and internal party confusion after the vote." Regarding the unconstitutionality of the December 3 martial law declaration, he said, "It was clearly a wrong decision and a serious mistake," but added, "The final decision on its unconstitutionality will be made by the Constitutional Court."

Regarding the 'martial law state investigation' being pursued by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, he said, "I told Speaker Woo that the investigation itself is unnecessary," expressing concern that "if the National Assembly conducts an investigation after the prosecution, police, and Corruption Investigation Office are already investigating, it would rather hinder the investigation."

When asked if he had communicated with President Yoon after being elected as the floor leader the previous day, he stated, "I have not communicated particularly."

Oh Se-seong, Hankyung.com reporter sesung@hankyung.com