여야, 패스트트랙 후폭풍...한국당, 대여 투쟁 예고
Key reform bills have been given fast-track status, after days of heated confrontations.
But it's still going to be a struggle to get anything else done in parliament,... due to objections from the main opposition party.
Kim Min-ji has more.
Key reform bills have been fast-tracked... after two special parliamentary committees gave their approval.
Those include one on electoral reform to boost proportional representation... and another to establish a body to investigate corruption among high-ranking public officials.
But there was fierce resistance from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party.
Parliament was in chaos for days... with the rival parties getting into physical confrontations.
The ruling Democratic Party called on the main opposition to return to the negotiating table.
"We will hold frank discussions with the opposition to settle on a way forward. The Liberty Korea Party must also end its violence and work on bills related to people's livelihoods."
The fast-track deal was reached between the ruling party who want the investigation unit as part of the government's anti-corruption drive and minor parties who want to revise the election law for next year's general elections.
The fast-track designation prevents bills without bipartisan support from being stuck in limbo automatically putting them up for a vote after 330 days, at maximum.
A vote can happen sooner, but that would require major compromises.
The Liberty Korea Party has pledged to continue resisting what it calls the "tyranny of the leftists" saying election law has always been revised on bipartisan agreement.
This could put a stack of pending bills on hold.
"We must block this leftist dictatorship,... and work to create a country of prosperity and freedom for future generations to enjoy."
An internal feud within the minor Bareun Mirae Party has also worsened,... after the party leadership forcibly replaced two of its committee members to keep the fast-track move from falling through.
That's triggered a serious backlash from its members... raising concerns of a party split.
"Please understand the choice was made to keep a promise to the people. I will promise to communicate better."
What's more, getting the votes for electoral reform could prove difficult.
The bill would have a greater number of lawmakers elected by proportional representation but would keep the number of seats in the parliament the same.
That means some lawmakers, regardless of party, would risk seeing their districts merged with another or abolished, and so they might vote against it.
"Although the dust has settled for now,... the National Assembly's image has been tainted by the sight of lawmakers getting into physical scuffles and filing complaints against each other. The key for now will be how the parties mend their ties and start negotiations. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News."
