Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sharply criticized People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk on Tuesday, saying he "has been pouring out reckless remarks day after day, to a degree hardly believable for the leader of a public party."
"Take a look at Chairman Jang's Facebook. It is filled entirely with slander, insinuation, smear campaigns, and character assassination," Han said at a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.
"Chairman Jang is calling the high-oil-price hardship relief payment — for which 91.2% of eligible recipients have already applied in the first round — a vote-buying scheme for the election," Han said. "Does he not see the citizens who are fighting a desperate battle at the edge of a cliff due to high oil prices and high inflation?"
He continued, "Chairman Jang is belittling the Democratic Party's metropolitan government candidates, chosen by the people and party members, as 'Gaeddal picks,'" referring to a derogatory term for supporters of President Lee Jae-myung. "He is obsessed only with irresponsible obstruction by dragging in President Lee Jae-myung, who is working day after day to normalize the Republic of Korea."
"No matter how close an election is, there are lines a politician must observe and a minimum dignity required of the leader of a public party," Han added. "Even if capability and qualifications fall short, I hope he will at least put forward one campaign pledge that can serve as a standard for voters' choices."
Han also noted that the party had on the previous day selected six-term Rep. Cho Jung-sik as its candidate for National Assembly Speaker and four-term Rep. Nam In-soon as candidate for Deputy Speaker for the latter half of the 22nd National Assembly. "Both have put forward the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the completion of livelihood legislation as their signature pledges," he said. "The Democratic Party will move quickly on the speakership election so that the new leadership can begin work on the 30th."
"We will also swiftly complete the formation of the standing committee chair lineup for the latter half so there are no gaps in livelihood legislation," he said. "The Democratic Party will run nimbly and responsibly in the latter half of the National Assembly as well, to overcome the crisis and stabilize people's livelihoods."
