Presidential Office Holds Back on Veto... "Bill Could Stir Public Confusion"

Democratic Party Passes Both Yellow Envelope Act and Broadcasting 3 Laws
Presidential Office Expresses Concern Over Negative Industrial and Social Impacts
Contemplating Whether Livelihood Efforts Will Affect Rising Government Approval Ratings
Yoon Likely to Veto Without Bipartisan Agreement

The Presidential Office did not hide its discomfort over the forced passage of the 'Yellow Envelope Act' (Amendment to the Labor Union and Labor Relations Act) and the 'Broadcasting Three Acts' (Amendments to the Broadcasting Act, the Promotion of Broadcasting Culture Act, and the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act) in the National Assembly plenary session the day before (the 9th). While it is premature to discuss President Yoon Seok-yeol's exercise of the veto power, the office has a clear stance on the negative impacts these amendments may have. Internally, there is also a sensed concern that these could become variables affecting the recent upward trend in President Yoon's approval ratings.

On the 10th, a Presidential Office official stated, "It is not the situation to discuss or mention the exercise of the (President's) veto power. However, regarding issues that could stir public confusion amid economic difficulties, the ruling party and ministries will first deliberate."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In the plenary session of the National Assembly the day before, the Democratic Party of Korea used its majority to pass both the Yellow Envelope Act and the Broadcasting Three Acts. Lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party protested the submission of the bills by leaving the plenary hall before the vote. The amendment to the Yellow Envelope Act mainly expands the scope of employers subject to union negotiations. Until now, negotiations could only be held with parties directly involved in labor contracts, but the amended law broadens the concept of employer to "those who can exercise substantial control or influence over working conditions." It also includes provisions that, even if the court recognizes the union's liability for damages due to strikes, the scope of individual responsibility should be determined based on fault and contribution.

The Presidential Office holds the position that, like the amendments to the Grain Management Act and the enactment of the Nursing Act, on which vetoes were previously exercised, bills passed without bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly cannot be accepted. In particular, regarding the Yellow Envelope Act, it is viewed as likely to encourage strikes and cause confusion in industrial sites amid economic difficulties. If all subcontractors enter into negotiations individually with the primary contractors, normal business operations would be disrupted. The Broadcasting Three Acts also raise concerns about social confusion arising from inadequate management of fake news and biased broadcasting.

However, the office is cautious about commenting on the President's exercise of veto power. Given the Democratic Party's clear intention to focus on the 'President's continued use of veto power,' it is seen as unnecessary to hastily express a position. This judgment also reflects the recent rise in President Yoon's approval ratings. After a decline following the defeat in the Gangseo District Office election, the approval ratings have not only recovered but are on an upward trend due to successive visits to public welfare sites, making it unnecessary to preemptively factor in the 'veto exercise' issue.

The Presidential Office is expected to monitor the situation for the time being. People Power Party floor leader Yoon Jae-ok has already announced that he would recommend the President exercise veto power if the two bills pass the National Assembly. Regarding the Yellow Envelope Act, Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jeong-sik expressed, "As the minister responsible for labor policy, it is difficult to suppress my sorrow," and hinted at requesting the exercise of veto power by stating, "If the bill is transmitted to the government, I will fulfill the responsibilities stipulated in the Constitution." Another official added, "Since the bills have not yet left the hands of the National Assembly, the ruling party and ministries will likely explain more actively to the public why these two bills cannot be passed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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