PPP Sweeps All 10 Gyeongnam Council Leadership Seats... Unilateral Formation Amid Democratic Boycott

The People Power Party (PPP) swept the formation of the 13th Gyeongnam Provincial Council, dismissing the demands of the opposition Democratic Party after securing all 10 leadership seats for the first half of the term and seven vice chair positions. With the ruling party's complete sweep and the opposition's backlash, immediate disruptions to the 13th council's operations appear inevitable. As the opposition staged a total boycott, the PPP elected Speaker Park Jun and first and second vice chairs via a unilateral vote on the 6th. Subsequently, on the 9th, they ratified the appointment of chairs for seven standing committees, establishing a ruling-party-only parliamentary structure for the first time in five years.

The Democratic Party, citing its 44-to-23 seat advantage and party vote share, demanded one vice chair and two standing committee chairs. However, following the collapse of negotiations, they retaliated by abstaining from the leadership vote. The Democratic Party further boycotted the opening ceremony for the 13th Provincial Council after abstaining from the vote.

However, ahead of the 435th provisional session starting on the 15th, the Democratic Party shifted toward returning to legislative activities, citing the need to avoid a vacuum in provincial administration. PPP Floor Leader Choi Young-ho stated that if the Democratic Party returns, the party is willing to engage in collaborative governance.