Lee Jae-myung "Is it necessary to allocate the budget to this extent when people's livelihoods are difficult... It's ruthless"

Next Year's Government Budget Proposal Criticized for Permanent Rental Housing Cuts
"Government Should Act Swiftly and Boldly to Stabilize Rice Prices"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 31st and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 31st, "Looking at the policy direction of this government's budget so far, I think it is hard for the people, so why go this far?" and added, "I cannot escape the thought that it is heartless."

At the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Lee pointed out the problems of next year's government budget. He said, "Even though I recently saw the difficult situation caused by housing problems in underground rooms, I felt it was heartless to see the budget proposal cutting as much as 5.6 trillion won from the budget related to permanent rental housing to solve the housing problems of ordinary people," and added, "I cannot understand at all how the budget was cut to an unimaginable scale instead of increasing it for the unfortunate ordinary people suffering from housing difficulties."

He continued, "I heard that the budget for local currency support, which helps revitalize small business districts and local economies and reduces the high inflation pain of ordinary people, was completely cut, which is surprising," and said, "Many people are suffering from rising prices, and there are also reports that the budget for youth and elderly jobs was drastically cut, so I am really worried to the point of questioning whether this is a budget for the people and whether there was any minimum interest or consideration for the people and ordinary citizens who are suffering."

Lee said, "As a ruling party holding the majority of seats in the National Assembly and responsible for the better lives of the people, we will thoroughly review the budget and engage in legislation."

Regarding the rice price collapse, he said, "Recently, the price for an 80kg sack dropped from 220,000 won to 170,000 won, so-called market isolation should be implemented, but it is delayed or not done, leaving the rice price collapse unattended," and added, "I request the government to promptly and decisively proceed with market isolation according to the law." He also stated, "The Democratic Party is also reviewing amendments to the Grain Management Act," expressing the intention to promote institutional improvements as well.

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