Ruling Party: "If Opposition Continues to Block, Supplementary Budget Will Be Passed Unilaterally"

"Not doing it now means not doing it even if elected"

Yun Ho-jung, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is announcing the position on the rapid processing of the supplementary budget at an emergency press briefing held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Yoon Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated regarding the supplementary budget bill (supplementary budget) that "if the opposition party continues to obstruct the livelihood and quarantine budget, the Democratic Party will swiftly process the supplementary budget in consultation with the government on its own."

On the morning of the 18th, Yoon held an emergency press briefing at the National Assembly floor leader's office, saying, "This supplementary budget is a vital budget to save our people, including small business owners, cultural artists, and special employment workers," and added, "If the opposition party continues to obstruct the livelihood and quarantine budget, the Democratic Party will swiftly process the supplementary budget in consultation with the government on its own."

Earlier, the ruling and opposition party floor managers of the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee (Budget Committee) held a negotiation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki on the 17th for the supplementary budget processing, but failed to reach an agreement due to differences over the scale of the quarantine support fund, the biggest issue.

The government insists on a 3 million KRW quarantine support fund. The People Power Party is requesting a large-scale increase, including 10 million KRW per person in support funds, as agreed in the standing committee. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party argues that since support for small business owners is urgent, 3 million KRW should be paid first according to the government proposal, with additional payments after the election.

Accordingly, the ruling party has hinted at passing the bill unilaterally and convened a full meeting of the Budget Committee at 2 p.m. that day.

Yoon criticized, "The People Power Party, which not only obstructs but shackles the quarantine budget to protect the lives and safety of the people, will bear heavy responsibility," and said, "We must not ignore the desperate requests of many people suffering from the COVID-19 situation like this. Saying you will do it if elected but not doing it now means you will not do it even if elected."

He continued, "If we start discussing the supplementary budget again after the president's temporary inauguration in May, it could take more than 100 days," adding, "I don't know if the 100 days candidate Yoon talks about means after the election or after inauguration. How are we supposed to endure? The National Assembly must immediately step up for the small business owners and medical personnel who are hanging by a thread every day."

Park Wan-joo, chairman of the Policy Committee, demanded, "I hope they stop approaching this politically and engage in sincere negotiations," and said, "We must quickly provide additional support to prevent people from giving up their livelihoods and falling into despair. Any shortfalls should be immediately addressed by the next government through supplementary budgeting and execution."

Maeng Sung-kyu, ruling party floor manager of the Budget Committee, also demanded, "There is no response from the People Power Party to the request to convene the Budget Committee today or over the weekend," and said, "If you want to reduce the burden on the people, please actively respond, including the request to convene the Budget Committee today."

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