Minister of the Interior says '250,000 Won Support Law for All Citizens' will place a heavy burden on local finances

by Shim Seongah

Published 11 Jul.2024 17:55(KST)

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min expressed a negative stance on the law to provide 250,000 won to all citizens.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min is touching his face while attending the full meeting of the Administrative Safety Committee held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

At the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee held on the 11th, Minister Lee stated regarding the 'Special Measures to Overcome the Livelihood Crisis Act' (the law to provide 250,000 won to all citizens), which proposes giving 250,000 to 350,000 won to all citizens, "The Special Measures to Overcome the Livelihood Crisis Act would place a heavy burden on national and local finances and inevitably cause a large national debt," adding, "It is very concerning because it will also have a significant impact on inflation and interest rates."

The Special Measures to Overcome the Livelihood Crisis Act includes provisions for the national and local governments to provide administrative and financial support necessary for the payment of livelihood recovery funds, and to distribute the funds to all citizens in the form of local love gift certificates.

The amount is differentiated by payment target within the range of 250,000 to 350,000 won, to be determined by presidential decree.

The Public Administration and Security Committee tabled the bill, which was proposed as a party policy by the Democratic Party of Korea, at the plenary meeting held on the 2nd.

However, Minister Lee forecasted, "Last year, local finances suffered a deficit of over 11 trillion won, but this year it seems to have decreased significantly," and added, "Local finances this year are expected to be somewhat better than last year."

During the plenary meeting, there were also continued criticisms regarding whether proper measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the 'Cheongju Osong Disaster,' which is approaching its first anniversary.

The Osong disaster occurred on July 15 last year when the temporary embankment of the Miho River burst.

A large amount of river water flowed into the nearby Gungpyeong 2 underground road, flooding 17 vehicles including city buses passing through the underground road. The accident resulted in 14 citizens dead and 11 injured.

Minister Lee, who visited the disaster site on the 10th, said, "I inspected whether the escape facilities, vehicle entry barriers, and flood standards installed in the Osong underground road are being properly implemented," adding, "There are still parts that need to be supplemented."

In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Kwang-hee pointed out, "To get to Osong Station now, you have to enter the underground road unconditionally, but if the underground road is controlled, shouldn't there be an inspection of where to detour?"

He also noted that the operation of drainage pumps and the installation of evacuation facilities, which could prevent related accidents, had not been properly checked.

Minister Lee replied, "We have not yet inspected the other underground roads leading to Osong Station," and said, "We will review the pointed issues once again."