Opposition Cautious About 4th Disaster Relief Fund Talks: "Is It an Election Ploy?" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Ahead of the April by-elections, as the ruling party hinted at the possibility of issuing a 4th disaster relief fund through the supplementary budget (추경), the opposition leadership collectively criticized the move.

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, stated in his opening remarks at the party's 2nd online policy workshop on the 5th, "This is governance that cannot even foresee a month ahead," and criticized, "I think this administration is a government with absolutely no ability to predict possible future developments."

Regarding the Democratic Party's indication of issuing disaster relief funds, he said, "During the last budget session, our party suggested securing disaster relief funds in the budget for 2021, as we did not know how long the COVID-19 situation would last, but only about 3 trillion won was secured," adding, "Now, just a few days into this year, suddenly talking about a supplementary budget is the reality of this government." This criticizes the reliance on the supplementary budget despite the need to have secured disaster relief funds in last year's budget process.

Joo Ho-young, floor leader, also told reporters right after the workshop, "The 3rd disaster relief fund is already reflected in the main budget and has not yet been paid, so claiming a nationwide disaster relief fund already?is this aimed at the April election?" He pointed out, "Is there even a proper funding plan? This is too absurd."

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