Yun Hojung: "We Can Revise the Supplementary Budget as Much as Needed... 100% Disaster Relief Fund Possible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Yoon Ho-jung, Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that it is possible to provide emergency disaster relief funds for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) to 100% of the people. Regarding the possibility of merging with the Open Democratic Party, which secured 3 seats in the April 15 general election, he firmly said, "It is not a matter for discussion."

On the morning of the 17th, Secretary General Yoon appeared on MBC Radio and responded to the question, "During the election process, Representative Lee Hae-chan and the Democratic Party leadership proposed a plan to give 100% to everyone," by saying, "Not only we but also other parties have consistently argued that 100% payment should be made, so I believe the 70% payment plan can be revised during the National Assembly discussions."

When asked, "Are you confident that an official agreement with the opposition party is fully possible?" he said, "If promises made to the people during the election period are kept, I think there will be no reason for the ruling and opposition parties not to reach an agreement."

Regarding the question, "Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki said that the U.S. does not pay all households either. Could the Ministry of Economy and Finance be a more difficult party to negotiate with than the opposition?" he replied, "Policy officials have been continuously discussing this." He added, "(However) because it was the election period, discussions were somewhat halted."

He also said, "Of course, since this is a supplementary budget bill, the Ministry of Economy and Finance's consent is necessary for the increased portion," and added, "It might be more efficient than fixing the barn after the horse has bolted. Therefore, I do not think persuading the Ministry of Economy and Finance is impossible."

When asked, "Can we assume that the review and passage of the supplementary budget bill will not take long?" he answered, "There is no difficulty if only the opposition cooperates. But the United Future Party is currently not responding at all."

Meanwhile, regarding the question of whether the Together Citizens' Party will maintain its independent party status without merging with the Democratic Party, Secretary General Yoon said, "If we merge with the Citizens' Party now, it would be 180 seats, but even finding a place for 180 members to hold a caucus is not ideal," and added, "I wonder what the real meaning of increasing seats now would be."

He also said, "The issue of merging with the Open Democratic Party is not a matter for discussion at this time."

Regarding whether a third parliamentary negotiation group will be formed through proportional representation parties such as the Citizens' Party, he said, "The National Assembly should be formed according to the people's will," and added, "If there is a movement against the people's will, it cannot be left unattended," but refrained from further comment.

He reaffirmed his position not to allow independent elected members to join the party. Secretary General Yoon said, "If we accept people like elected member Lee Yong-ho, it would be seen as an attempt to increase seats."

Regarding the possibility of an early party convention, he said, "It has never been considered at all."