Democratic Party Donates 50% of Two Months' Lawmaker Allowances as COVID-19 Relief Fund

"Donation Through Voluntary Consent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to donate 50% of its members' allowances as a contribution to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) relief fund. However, the donation will be left to the discretion of each member rather than a blanket contribution.

Park Chandae, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, said in a briefing after the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 25th, "Members of the National Assembly's salary consists of a base salary, allowances, and various activity expenses. It was decided to donate 50% of the allowances, which account for two-thirds of the total salary, as a contribution for April and May."

He added, "The method will be voluntary and based on individual consent," and "There are two months left for the remaining salary period of the National Assembly, April and May, and the decision was made today at the party meeting only for that period. The leadership of the 21st National Assembly will decide on the salaries for June and July."

Earlier, Lee In-young, the Democratic Party floor leader, said on the 19th, "We will join the ranks sharing difficulties," and "The Democratic Party will do its best to dedicate itself to overcoming the COVID-19 national crisis, including the campaign to donate 50% of the National Assembly members' salaries."

Meanwhile, the Justice Party has so far been the only party to declare a full return of all members' salaries. Jung Hojin, spokesperson for the Justice Party's election committee, said in a statement on the 22nd, "All Justice Party members of the National Assembly have decided to return 30% of their salaries to share the damage caused by the spread of COVID-19," and "The period for the Justice Party members' salary return will continue until COVID-19 is eradicated." Shim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party, proposed that each member return 1 million won, and the Minsheng Party is also discussing whether to return their salaries.

As of 4 p.m. on the same day, a petition on the National Petition Board titled "We propose that National Assembly members return or reduce their salaries for the people in crisis due to COVID-19" has gained the support of over 370,000 people.

The petitioner explained the reason for the petition, saying, "(National Assembly members) received their full salaries even though the National Assembly was closed for several months last year," and "This time should be an opportunity for National Assembly members to repent for past mistakes by voluntarily returning or reducing their salaries and to help the country in difficulty even a little."