Key facts
- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) proposed a bill to strip the prosecution of its direct investigative powers.
- The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) launched a filibuster to block the bill.
- If approved, the bill would remove the prosecution's authority to conduct direct investigations.
- A separate bill to investigate ballot shortages in local elections was approved.
- The DP also aims to pass a bill to expedite the legislative process for fast-track bills.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) in South Korea proposed a bill during a parliamentary plenary session that would strip the prosecution of its direct investigative powers. This move prompted the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) to initiate a filibuster in an attempt to block the legislation.
If passed, the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act would remove the prosecution's authority for direct investigations, including supplementary probes. The DP has been advocating for prosecution reform, which includes dismantling the current prosecution system and establishing separate agencies for investigations and indictments.
During the same session, a special counsel bill aimed at investigating ballot shortages during the June local elections was approved with 226 votes in favor and two against. This special counsel team will have up to 90 days for its inquiry, with possible extensions. Additionally, rival parties agreed to extend the mandate of a parliamentary special committee looking into the election incident by 30 days.
The DP also intends to push for a bill that would significantly shorten the review period for fast-track bills from a maximum of 330 days to 90 days, aiming to accelerate the legislative process. The PPP is expected to launch another filibuster to oppose this bill as well. Under parliamentary rules, a filibuster can be ended after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, vote to do so. With the support of minor opposition parties and independents, the DP, holding 161 seats, is anticipated to secure the necessary votes to overcome the filibusters and pass the bills.