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'World's longest filibuster' ends in South Korea South Korean MPs 'set world filibuster record'
(about 7 hours later)
South Korean opposition lawmakers have ended a parliamentary filibuster that lasted 192 hours, which is believed to have set a new world record. South Korean opposition lawmakers have set what appears to be a new world record for a combined filibuster after speaking for 192 hours.
They were trying to block an anti-terrorism bill which they said threatened personal freedoms. Nearly nine days of non-stop speeches included rambling monologues and long chunks of George Orwell's novel 1984.
But they gave up on Wednesday fearing a public backlash, as the prolonged anti-terror proceedings were delaying the passing of other important bills. Some of the MPs wore trainers to help them stay on their feet for hours.
The previous world record of 57 hours was set by a Canadian party in 2011. They wanted to block an anti-terror bill they said put personal freedoms at risk, but failed. The bill was passed hours after the filibuster ended.
The end of the filibuster in Seoul means that a bill backed by the ruling Saenuri Party, which holds the majority of seats in parliament, will be put to a vote and is likely to be passed. A Canadian party had set the previous world record for combined filibustering, notching up 57 hours in 2011.
The legislation allows intelligence services to collect a wide range of personal information - including phone records - on anyone deemed to pose a security risk. Opposition parties said it would violate privacy rights and could be used to stifle political dissent. The art of the filibuster: How to talk for 24 hours straight
'Dereliction of duty'
Filibustering is a parliamentary delaying tactic by which MPs drag out speeches to the end of the allocated time, so that no vote can be held.Filibustering is a parliamentary delaying tactic by which MPs drag out speeches to the end of the allocated time, so that no vote can be held.
South Korea's filibuster was spearheaded by main opposition party Minjoo which was joined by other smaller parties, and began last Tuesday, 23 February. South Korea's marathon attempt was spearheaded by the main opposition party Minjoo which was joined by other smaller parties, and began last Tuesday, 23 February.
Their tactics included reading out lengthy academic articles in full as well as news articles and internet comments, staging elaborate and rambling monologues and even reading from George Orwell's novel 1984. As well as some lawmakers being spotted wearing trainers, others reportedly refrained from drinking water so that they could cut down on loo breaks in order to keep on speaking.
Some lawmakers were spotted wearing trainers, while others reportedly refrained from drinking water so that they could cut down on loo breaks. Still others were seen dozing off in their seats during the marathon session. Tactics employed also included reading out lengthy academic articles in full as well as news stories and internet comments.
The longest speech made was by Jung Cheong-rae, who spoke for 11 hours 39 minutes. In all 38 lawmakers are reported to have taken part.
Filibustering around the world
Jung Cheong-rae spoke for 11 hours 39 minutes and Minjoo floor leader Lee Jong-Kul ended the filibuster with a speech of more than 12 hours.
They would have succeeded if they had managed to hold out until the end of the parliamentary session at midnight on 10 March.They would have succeeded if they had managed to hold out until the end of the parliamentary session at midnight on 10 March.
But as the days wore on they faced increasing public criticism, as the filibuster was delaying the passage of bills on North Korean human rights and electoral districts for April's general election.But as the days wore on they faced increasing public criticism, as the filibuster was delaying the passage of bills on North Korean human rights and electoral districts for April's general election.
But President Park Geun-hye had argued such measures were necessary and condemned the filibuster as "nothing more than a dereliction of duty". The ruling Saenuri Party has a majority of seats in parliament and nearly 160 members voted for the bill, with one against it, the Associated Press reported. Opposition lawmakers abstained, reports said.
"The National Assembly is nearly paralysed at a time when people's lives and safety are exposed to terror threats," she said in a televised speech on Tuesday, according to Yonhap. President Park Geun-hye condemned the filibuster as "nothing more than a dereliction of duty".
Filibustering around the world The legislation allows intelligence services to collect a wide range of personal information - including phone records - on anyone deemed to pose a security risk.
How do you talk for 24 hours non-stop? Opposition parties said it would violate privacy rights and could be used to stifle political dissent.