Party and government, support for small business owners next is 'vaccine side effect' compensation plan

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 17th, the ruling party and the government announced support measures for small business owners and are expected to additionally present post-COVID-19 quarantine management plans, including measures related to vaccine side effects and unemployment. In particular, the plan for the state to take responsibility and provide support to citizens harmed by vaccination is being specially emphasized by Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and detailed information on this is expected to be released soon.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, attended the first meeting of the Special Committee for COVID-19 Crisis Response held at the Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 17th, and was seen talking with Yoon Ho-jung, co-chairman of the joint election committee, during the meeting. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the same day, Lee chaired the first meeting of the COVID-19 Crisis Response Special Committee and stated, "People have concerns that they might have to bear alone the damages caused by vaccination without being able to prove causality," promising to promote the ‘Vaccine State Responsibility System.’ This system entails that, except in cases where it is clearly proven that there is no causal relationship with vaccine side effects, the state should provide compensation and support using a ‘negative system’ approach.

On the 15th, the Democratic Party requested three key items from the government during a party-government consultation: ▲comprehensive support for small business owners and self-employed individuals ▲introduction of the Vaccine State Responsibility System ▲proactive measures for temporary unemployment and other issues. With support measures for small business owners and the self-employed now finalized, the ruling party and government are expected to continue discussions on proactive responses to vaccine side effect support and gaps in unemployment and care.

Floor leader Yoon Ho-jung said at the meeting, "We do not have much time," adding, "We must speed up efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 early and increase the third-dose vaccination rate." He reiterated the Vaccine State Responsibility System as a way to alleviate public concerns about vaccine side effects and raise vaccination rates. He also added, "Since the December extraordinary session is being prepared in response to the COVID-19 situation, I hope the opposition party will actively participate in the quarantine parliament."

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