By Kang Seung-woo
Criticism from Cheong Wa Dae on a revision to the National Assembly Law is escalating, on the basis that it is a breach of the constitutional separation of powers.
However, political experts say that this is a strong warning to the ruling Saenuri Party's leading officials, who often criticize the presidential office.
The ruling party and the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NAPD) agreed to revise the law; while approving a bill to reform the debt-laden civil servants' pension system. But the revision was met with a backlash from the presidential office later in the day. In addition, President Park made it clear Monday that she would not accept the revision, generating speculation that she may use a presidential veto.
Ostensibly, the government is complaining that the revision will empower lawmakers to review the content of administrative legislation and revise government ordinances, which could lead to administrative functions hitting a standstill.
Currently, the executive branch has the right to enact and revise ordinances and the judiciary then judges their legality. However, the revised National Assembly Law stipulates that lawmakers can require the government to revise ordinances, which it must accept.
Earlier this week, the presidential office asked parliament to decide whether this was mandatory and the rival parties offered mixed views on the issue.
"Cheong Wa Dae's criticism of the revision means President Park's displeasure at the leadership of the ruling Saenuri Party, particularly hard-line floor leader Yoo Seong-min," said Yoon Hee-woong, a senior researcher at Opinion Live.
"Since his election in February, Yoo has frequently stood against the President's policies."
In April, Yoo denounced President Park's "welfare without a tax hike" policy and also raised the issue of THAAD deployment, contrary to the presidential office's cautious attitude, aimed at preventing the issue from becoming an issue of public debate.
After Cheong Wa Dae's complaints, the Saenuri Party's pro-Park lawmakers joined forces to bash Yoo, calling for his resignation.
"Yoo is at the center of disputes and this means President Park as well as pro-Park lawmakers are urging the floor leader to soften his hard-line stance against Cheong Wa Dae and furthermore, step down," Yoon said.
"It is a strong warning from Cheong Wa Dae."
In the wake of the brouhaha about the revision, pro-Park lawmakers are showing signs of battling for party hegemony.
"With President Park's term nearing the halfway mark, Cheong Wa Dae and pro-Park lawmakers are seeking to take command of the party," Kim Hyung-joon, a politics professor at Myungji University, said.
Criticism from Cheong Wa Dae on a revision to the National Assembly Law is escalating, on the basis that it is a breach of the constitutional separation of powers.
However, political experts say that this is a strong warning to the ruling Saenuri Party's leading officials, who often criticize the presidential office.
The ruling party and the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NAPD) agreed to revise the law; while approving a bill to reform the debt-laden civil servants' pension system. But the revision was met with a backlash from the presidential office later in the day. In addition, President Park made it clear Monday that she would not accept the revision, generating speculation that she may use a presidential veto.
Ostensibly, the government is complaining that the revision will empower lawmakers to review the content of administrative legislation and revise government ordinances, which could lead to administrative functions hitting a standstill.
Currently, the executive branch has the right to enact and revise ordinances and the judiciary then judges their legality. However, the revised National Assembly Law stipulates that lawmakers can require the government to revise ordinances, which it must accept.
Earlier this week, the presidential office asked parliament to decide whether this was mandatory and the rival parties offered mixed views on the issue.
"Cheong Wa Dae's criticism of the revision means President Park's displeasure at the leadership of the ruling Saenuri Party, particularly hard-line floor leader Yoo Seong-min," said Yoon Hee-woong, a senior researcher at Opinion Live.
"Since his election in February, Yoo has frequently stood against the President's policies."
In April, Yoo denounced President Park's "welfare without a tax hike" policy and also raised the issue of THAAD deployment, contrary to the presidential office's cautious attitude, aimed at preventing the issue from becoming an issue of public debate.
After Cheong Wa Dae's complaints, the Saenuri Party's pro-Park lawmakers joined forces to bash Yoo, calling for his resignation.
"Yoo is at the center of disputes and this means President Park as well as pro-Park lawmakers are urging the floor leader to soften his hard-line stance against Cheong Wa Dae and furthermore, step down," Yoon said.
"It is a strong warning from Cheong Wa Dae."
In the wake of the brouhaha about the revision, pro-Park lawmakers are showing signs of battling for party hegemony.
"With President Park's term nearing the halfway mark, Cheong Wa Dae and pro-Park lawmakers are seeking to take command of the party," Kim Hyung-joon, a politics professor at Myungji University, said.
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