The People Power Party (PPP) has unified behind the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Administrative Integration Special Act following an internal vote, accelerating the merger process. With the Democratic Party of Korea also showing willingness to pass the legislation, the bill could clear the plenary session this term if the two parties reach agreement on disputed provisions.
The PPP conducted a vote among lawmakers from the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions on the merger bill on January 26. Daegu lawmakers met beforehand and unanimously agreed to support the measure. Rep. Lee In-sun said, "Even if there are opposing votes from Gyeongbuk, the overall majority supports the bill, so Daegu lawmakers asked the leadership to process the integration law within this session."
Gyeongbuk lawmakers, however, remained divided. Some had previously refused to sign onto the bill when Rep. Koo Ja-keun introduced it. While supporters outnumbered opponents in the day's vote, several lawmakers expressed opposition.
The PPP has struggled with internal conflict over the merger issue, with floor leader Song Eon-seok even offering to resign. The Public Administration and Security Committee approved both the Daegu-Gyeongbuk and Jeonnam-Gwangju integration bills on January 12, but objections from Gyeongbuk lawmakers at a subsequent general meeting prevented leadership from taking a clear stance. The bill was subsequently held at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Continued controversy ultimately led to the decisive vote.
With the PPP now aligned in favor, prospects for passage this session have improved significantly. Kim Hyun-jung, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said, "If the PPP finalizes its position and proceeds with a consensus, a vote is possible on February 2."
While some within the PPP may seek amendments to certain provisions, the party-line decision is expected to favor a "pass first, amend later" approach.
Analysts suggest political considerations drove the PPP's shift. The party appears concerned about backlash ahead of local elections if Daegu-Gyeongbuk is excluded from the administrative integration trend due to party opposition. Recent polls show declining support for the ruling party.
According to a National Barometer Survey conducted January 23-25 by Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research among 1,002 adults nationwide, PPP and Democratic Party support in Daegu-Gyeongbuk tied at 28% each. Nationally, PPP support fell to 17%, dropping below 20% and widening the gap with the Democratic Party at 45%. Compared to two weeks earlier, Democratic Party support rose 4 percentage points while PPP support dropped 5 points.
President Lee's approval rating reached a post-inauguration high of 67%, with positive assessments reaching 56% in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region.