Acting Democratic Party leader and floor leader Han Byung-do speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Tuesday. Photo by Asia Today
July 28 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's ruling Democratic Party advanced legislation Tuesday that would shorten reviews of fast-tracked bills and impose new requirements on filibusters, intensifying a dispute with the main opposition People Power Party.
The Democratic Party says the changes are needed to prevent the opposition from obstructing legislation and to create a more productive National Assembly.
The People Power Party says the proposals would weaken lawful protections for the parliamentary minority and allow the ruling party to push through disputed bills using its majority.
A National Assembly steering subcommittee approved a revision to the National Assembly Act that would substantially shorten the maximum review period for bills designated for expedited consideration.
