"Impeachment Backlash" Democrats Launch Full-Scale Offensive: "Supplementary Budget Formation Most Effective" (Comprehensive)

Lee Jae-myung "Flood damage and livelihood economic crisis overlap... Immediate supplementary budget"
Park Kwang-on "If fiscal tightening is not abandoned, the economy will worsen"
Promise to pass 'Itaewon Disaster Special Act' in the National Assembly

The Democratic Party of Korea criticized the government's flood damage recovery measures on the 26th and once again urged the enactment of a 'supplementary budget (추경)'. Following the Constitutional Court's dismissal of the impeachment motion against Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min related to the Itaewon disaster the previous day, the party appears to be focusing its opposition efforts on 'people's livelihood.' In particular, as the Constitutional Court unanimously concluded that the case did not warrant impeachment, criticism has arisen that the Democratic Party pushed too hard, leading to what is interpreted as a move to shift the political landscape.

Party leader Lee Jae-myung urged at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "We must immediately push for the supplementary budget and no longer neglect the state's role and responsibility." He emphasized the urgent need for support as the recent heavy rains caused a surge in prices of lettuce and other grocery items, making life difficult for ordinary citizens. He criticized, "Lettuce prices have become as expensive as meat prices due to the heavy rain, and grocery prices have been bombarded. Despite the water bomb and price bomb shaking the livelihood economy day after day, the government is arrogant and reckless."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He pointedly remarked, "Even though people's hardships have deepened throughout the year, Deputy Prime Minister Choo Kyung-ho confidently asserts that there will be 'no significant change' in inflation concerns. What country are we living in?" Addressing the government, he said, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration has made it a creed not to enact the supplementary budget while neglecting the lives of the people." He added, "Having visited the flood-affected sites, I saw that the damage caused by the floodwaters, combined with the livelihood economic crisis, has forced citizens to desperately cling to their lives. The state must not let go of those hands that are holding on with great difficulty."

Floor leader Park Kwang-on also demanded active economic measures, warning, "If the government does not abandon austerity, our economy will worsen further."

Park urged the government, "I hope you will abandon austerity and shift fiscal policy to an active economic stimulus approach," adding, "In the current situation with flood damage, the most powerful economic stimulus and damage response measure is the supplementary budget."

He reiterated, "The Democratic Party proposed the supplementary budget since May because it takes two to three months for economic policies to be reflected in the market," emphasizing again, "Enacting the supplementary budget is the most effective way to overcome the economic downturn."

The Democratic Party also continued to comment on the Constitutional Court's dismissal of the impeachment motion against Minister Lee Sang-min that day. While respecting the court's decision, the party sharpened its criticism toward the government and ruling party, stating, "This does not mean they have been exonerated."

Leader Lee criticized, "Just because the impeachment was dismissed does not mean there is no responsibility. The dismissal decision cannot be a pardon." He said, "Not just one person, but as many as 159 people lost their lives due to the government's fault, yet no one takes responsibility or accountability. Was it wrong to demand responsibility?" He scolded the government and ruling party, saying, "There is a limit to arrogance and shamelessness. If the impeachment is dismissed, the proper response should be, 'Although dismissed, we apologize, take responsibility, and will strive to prevent such incidents in the future. How painful this must be for you.'" He added, "Regain your conscience and come to your senses," and urged, "Feel at least a minimum sense of responsibility."

Separately from the dismissal of Minister Lee's impeachment, the Democratic Party intends to ensure the 'Itaewon Disaster Special Act' is passed in the National Assembly.

Floor leader Park Kwang-on said, "The families of the victims cannot accept the Constitutional Court's dismissal of the impeachment motion against Minister Lee Sang-min of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety yesterday and are protesting with tears, and the public is frustrated as well." He emphasized, "The Democratic Party will continue efforts to hold those responsible accountable. We will definitely enact the Itaewon Disaster Special Act." He added, "We will thoroughly investigate the truth of every process and hold accountable those responsible. This is the way to prevent another national tragedy and the path to national unity that heals the wounds of the victims, their families, and the public."

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