Jin Sungjoon: "Holding Presidential and By-Elections Together Would Save 36.7 Billion Won... Impeachment Decision Needed Before the 13th"

Jin Sungjoon Urges Swift Constitutional Court Ruling
Highlights Reduced Economic Losses
Calls for Tailored Compensation for the Self-Employed and Small Business Owners

Jin Sungjoon, the Policy Committee Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "If the early presidential election and the by-elections are held on the same day, tax savings alone would amount to 36.7 billion won," adding, "We hope the Constitutional Court will reach a decision on impeachment before the 13th, if possible."

Park Chandae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on March 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the Democratic Party's floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on March 4, Jin said, "If the Constitutional Court decides on dismissal before the 13th, this year's first-half by-elections, scheduled for April 2, and the early presidential election in May will be held on the same day."

Jin emphasized, "Not only would this reduce the costs of the by-elections, but it would also minimize economic losses and social costs caused by delayed rulings," expressing his hope for a swift decision.

He also voiced criticism of the People Power Party's proposed financial support measures for small business owners and those in the basic and near-basic livelihood security categories. Jin said, "The ruling party's support plan covers only 2.7 million people," adding, "It is unrealistic to expect a revival in consumption with a budget input of just about 1.3 trillion won."

He continued, "The scope of support should be boldly expanded," and stressed, "To truly spark consumption, both the middle class and ordinary citizens must be included." He added, "The Democratic Party's proposals for win-win consumption cashback, consumption vouchers in four key sectors, and local currency should be actively considered."

Jin further pointed out, "The ruling party's measures for the self-employed and small business owners are merely one-off remedies," and criticized, "The public utility voucher only covers one or two months of electricity and gas bills, and it is difficult for such measures to contribute to a virtuous cycle by boosting sales."

He stated, "Tailored compensation for losses must be provided to self-employed people and small business owners who have been directly hit by the insurrection and the closure of Muan Airport," and added, "Since such a system was already implemented during the COVID-19 period and the framework is in place, it can be executed smoothly."

Additionally, Jin remarked, "The People Power Party seems to be focused on policy differentiation, but what matters more is effectiveness," and asserted, "With the People Power Party's approach, we cannot expect the supplementary budget to effectively stimulate consumption."

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