Ruling and Opposition Parties Agree on 4th Supplementary Budget... 530 Billion Won Cut from Communication Expenses, Support for Youth and Elderly (Update)

Kim Tae-nyeon Visits Joo Ho-young for Sudden Agreement
Free Flu Vaccination to Be Provided Mainly for Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and Disabled

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] The ruling and opposition parties reached a sudden agreement on the 4th supplementary budget bill ahead of the plenary session on the 22nd. They found a compromise by each stepping back from their proposals for nationwide communication fee support and free flu vaccinations.

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, that morning and agreed on this direction.

The government and ruling party's proposal to provide 20,000 won in communication fees to all citizens aged 13 and older was agreed to be provided selectively. After the meeting, Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "The communication fee budget will be cut by 530 billion won from the government's original 930 billion won," adding, "Support will be given to youths aged 18 to 34 and seniors aged 65 and older."

The People Power Party's proposal for free nationwide flu vaccinations was also agreed to be focused on basic livelihood security recipients and people with disabilities. Floor Leader Joo explained, "Since the private supply (paid portion) has already been sold out to hospitals, it is procedurally difficult to convert this to free," and added, "Support will be centered on 1.06 million vulnerable people."

Initially, care fee support applied up to elementary school students, but a compromise was reached to expand it to middle school students. The care fee was decided at 150,000 won per person.

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