United Future Party Focusing on 'Policy Struggle' Inside the National Assembly, Now Moving to Flood Damage Sites

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The United Future Party, which decided to dismiss 'extraparliamentary struggle' and engage in 'policy struggle' within the National Assembly, is now heading to the field. Not at Gwanghwamun Square, but at the flood damage sites.

On the 5th, the United Future Party leadership, including Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in and Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, did not attend separate National Assembly schedules but visited flood-hit areas such as Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, to inspect the sites and carry out volunteer activities. Floor Leader Joo then visited the flood damage sites in Chungju and Danyang County, Chungbuk Province, to participate in restoration volunteer work. Policy Committee Chairman Lee Jong-bae also visited the flood damage site in Chungju that morning to engage in restoration volunteer activities.

Earlier, on the 3rd, the United Future Party visited the Seoul Hangang Flood Control Office situation room and received a report on the flood status and response from Director Yoo Myung-soo. Floor Leader Joo also stated at the lawmakers' meeting held the previous day, "We plan to visit flood-affected areas to wash submerged household goods or remove soil that has filled homes," and encouraged lawmakers to "listen to difficulties on site and volunteer where needed."

The United Future Party's collective visit to flood damage sites is interpreted as an effort to demonstrate Chairman Kim's previously emphasized commitment to 'walking with the vulnerable.' The party, which had been represented by the image of a 'rich party' and 'establishment party,' appears to be renewing its image by including protections for the vulnerable in the soon-to-be revised party platform and policies.

Kim Byung-min, Special Committee Chairman for the United Future Party's Platform Revision, appeared on BBS Radio's 'Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal' that day and said, "When people think of conservative parties, they may have misunderstandings or prejudices that we are stuck in preserving the past. But the fundamental value of conservatism is to protect what we cherish, especially our community, and if necessary, to lead reforms?that is the spirit of conservatism." He added, "Regarding issues like low birth rates, if the current situation continues, the very existence of our national community will face a crisis, so we must make every innovative effort possible. We are also working on efforts for socially vulnerable groups for the development of the community."

Regarding whether the platform will include provisions to prevent a single district from being represented for four consecutive terms, he said, "The top ten policy tasks following the platform are currently being implemented," and "There are ongoing discussions, and the limitation on four consecutive terms in a district has been proposed as one opinion, with pros and cons being discussed."

Meanwhile, the United Future Party seems to be focusing on intraparlamentary struggle instead of extraparliamentary struggle to counter the ruling party's dominance. At the plenary session held the previous day, lawmakers criticized the government's ruling party's real estate and tax laws through opposition debates. Lawmaker Chu Kyung-ho pointed out, "The people are crying out that they are dying because of taxes, but the government and ruling party are imposing a tax bomb," and Lawmaker Kim Hee-guk raised his voice, saying, "The rights of landlords who trusted the government must be protected."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.