SEOUL, September 2 — South Korea’s 22nd National Assembly officially began its session with a ceremony and opening remarks on September 2, marking a historic delay in the start of the legislative period. The event, which took place 96 days after the beginning of the lawmakers’ term, set a new record for the latest opening ceremony since the establishment of the Sixth Republic in February 1988.
Under the shadow of ongoing political disputes and对立, the ceremony was significant not only for its timing but also for the notable absence of President Yoon Suk-yeol. This marks the first time a president has skipped the opening ceremony of the National Assembly since the democratization period began.
Political Tensions and Historical Significance
The delay in the opening ceremony is a reflection of the deep-seated divisions within South Korea’s political landscape. The ruling and opposition parties have been at loggerheads over various issues, leading to a standstill in legislative proceedings. The absence of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has been exercising veto power over bills passed by the opposition, adds another layer of complexity to the political scenario.
The National Assembly Speaker, Koo Yoon-mo, addressed the ceremony after the lawmakers took their oaths. He expressed his deep apologies and a sense of heavy responsibility for the delay in the opening ceremony and the oath-taking. Koo highlighted the constitutional precedence of the National Assembly over the government and the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of respecting the legislative body for effective governance.
The Role of the National Assembly and the Absence of the President
Koo Yoon-mo’s remarks seemed to be a direct reference to President Yoon’s absence and his frequent use of veto power. He stressed that without respecting the National Assembly, it is challenging to achieve successful governance. Listening to the voice of the National Assembly is the path to the government’s success, Koo said, implicitly criticizing the president’s approach to governance.
The speaker also touched upon the need for dialogue and cooperation to resolve outstanding issues, including the medical controversy. He called for a meeting of government officials, political parties, the medical community, patients, and victims to find a common solution. Additionally, Koo proposed that a constitutional amendment referendum be held by the 2026 local elections at the latest.
International Implications and Future Outlook
The absence of the president at the opening ceremony of the National Assembly is not only a domestic concern but also has international implications. It underscores the challenges South Korea faces in maintaining stability and continuity in its governance structure. The political impasse could impact the country’s foreign policy and its relations with neighboring countries, including North Korea and China.
Looking ahead, the 22nd National Assembly will need to navigate through these challenges to fulfill its legislative responsibilities. The current political climate demands compromise and dialogue to address the pressing issues facing the country, from economic recovery to social welfare and national security.
Conclusion
The opening ceremony of South Korea’s 22nd National Assembly, while delayed and marked by the president’s absence, serves as a stark reminder of the political divisions that need to be bridged. As the assembly moves forward, the hope is that the spirit of cooperation and dialogue will prevail, allowing the country to overcome its current challenges and move towards a more stable and prosperous future.
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Keywords: #SouthKorea #NationalAssembly #YoonSukyeol #PoliticalTensions #OpeningCeremony
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