Hong Ik-pyo: "If the ruling party does not cooperate, the Serious Accidents Punishment Act will be enforced in January next year"

Opposition Demands Simultaneous Passage of Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperatives Act
Hong Ik-pyo: "No Plans for Further Negotiations After Year-End"

Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized that unless the government's official apology, opposition party demands, and the 'simultaneous processing of the amendment to the Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperative Act' are guaranteed, the Serious Accident Punishment Act will be implemented as scheduled early next year.

On the morning of the 14th at the Policy Coordination Committee held at the National Assembly, Floor Leader Hong stated, "The government and ruling party are only focused on rallying public opinion to postpone the Serious Accident Punishment Act," adding, "If there is no effort, the law will be enforced as scheduled at the end of January next year."

Hong Ik-pyo, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Floor Leader Hong presented three demands from the opposition party: ▲an official apology from the government that has made no preparations ▲a concrete plan and financial support measures for the enforcement of the law ▲a promise from the government and related economic organizations to definitely implement it in two years, while repeatedly urging, "I clearly state the simultaneous processing of the amendment to the Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperative Act as a condition to strengthen the bargaining power of small and medium enterprises."

He added, "Since time is needed to prepare on the ground, there is not much time left," and criticized, "We are trying to reach a conclusion by the end of the year, but everything depends on the government and ruling party." He also said, "I hope the government and ruling party prepare sincerely regarding the Democratic Party's demands and discuss the related matters," warning, "After the end of December, we have no intention to negotiate further."

Furthermore, Floor Leader Hong held the ruling party responsible for the delay in the 'budget bill processing.' He pointed out, "The budget has already passed the legal deadline and nearly two weeks have passed, but the government and ruling party still do not show a sincere attitude," adding, "At this point, it seems like the ruling and opposition parties have switched roles." He continued, "Until now, the Democratic Party has actively engaged in budget negotiations, but the government and ruling party have wasted time focusing only on 'Lee Dong-gwan's shield' and 'presidential mood protection' without any regard for the budget bill," criticizing, "Do not forget that this is not the Democratic Party's seventh year in power, but the second year of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."

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