Choi Sang-mok, acting president, deputy prime minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance, exercised his veto power regarding the 'Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law' on the 14th. In response, the ruling party stated that the acting president's exercise of veto is natural, while the opposition party claimed they would re-approve it, acknowledging that the acting president is an accomplice to insurrection.
The Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law passed the plenary session on Feb. 27, led by the Democratic Party and other opposition parties. The law includes allegations of opinion poll manipulation and electoral interference centering on Myung during elections and local elections. Additionally, it also includes the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the circumstances of the state affairs scandal.
◇Ruling party: “Choi Sang-mok's exercise of veto is natural… Myung special prosecutor law is unconstitutional and illegal”
The People Power Party stated that the acting president's exercise of veto is “natural.” They have argued that the Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law is “an unconstitutional and illegal investigative law filled with poisonous clauses.”
Kweon Seong-dong, the People Power Party's floor leader, expressed on that day, “As I mentioned yesterday (the 13th), the Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law is filled with unconstitutional elements, so it is only natural for the acting president to exercise his veto power.”
Shin Dong-wook, the People Power Party's senior spokesperson, also issued a statement saying, “The acting president Choi Sang-mok's demand for reconsideration of the ‘Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law’ is a natural decision,” and added, “It is a political investigative law filled with unconstitutional and strategic poisonous clauses. Democratic procedures and the rule of law are sidelined, and it is merely the opposition party's ‘excessive special prosecution’ for political purposes.”
He further stated, “The Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law has such an unclear and extensive target and scope that serious concerns about violating the constitutional ‘principle of clarity’ and ‘principle of proportionality’ are raised.” He argued, “The opposition party is repeatedly inducing the exercise of veto power, thereby undermining the essence of democracy.”
The acting president also seems to have agreed with the ruling party's opinion. He mentioned, while exercising the veto, that “the target and scope of the investigation are unclear and extensive, raising concerns about violations of the constitution's principle of clarity and principle of proportionality.”
◇Opposition: “The acting president acknowledges complicity in insurrection… We will re-approve the Myung special prosecutor law”
Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party's floor leader, stated at the Supreme Council meeting held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on that day, that “Choi Sang-mok has exercised his veto for the eighth time since becoming acting president,” adding, “The Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law is a bill to investigate the Myung Tae-kyun Gate, which was the cause of insurrection, and refusing it means acknowledging that Choi Sang-mok is an accomplice to insurrection.”
Moreover, the Democratic Party also stated their intention to re-approve the Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law. On that day, the Myung Tae-kyun Gate investigation team held a press conference at the National Assembly communication hall, emphasizing that “the National Assembly will immediately proceed with the reconsideration process (of the Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law).”
Jeon Yong-ki, a member of the Democratic Party, criticized at the press conference, stating, “Isn't the acting president a shield for an insurrection regime? The acting president obstructed the Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law, which was overwhelmingly passed by the National Assembly.”
He continued, saying, “If the prosecution conducts an independent investigation, is there any reason to fear a special prosecutor?” He pointed out that while the prosecution investigated the Cha Sung-sil state affairs scandal and the Druking incident, a special prosecutor was ultimately instituted. He emphasized the necessity of introducing a special prosecutor for the Myung Tae-kyun Gate, stating that independent investigation is essential.
Regarding the timing of the opposition's re-approval of the Myung Tae-kyun special prosecutor law, Noh Jong-myeon, the Democratic Party's spokesperson, explained that it will be after the Constitutional Court's decision (on President Yoon's impeachment trial).