[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun, Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, stated that "a special disaster area should be declared for the flood-affected regions" and pointed out the possibility of 'reckless solar power development' in landslide areas. He also expressed doubts about President Moon Jae-in's direction for prosecutorial reform.
At the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 10th, Chairman Kim said, "I extend my deepest condolences to those suffering greatly from the flood damage," and added, "The government should declare the flood-affected areas as special disaster zones and make every effort to ensure prompt relief for flood victims and damage recovery."
On this day, the backdrop banner at the United Future Party's Emergency Committee meeting displayed the phrase, "What we must do now is to minimize the damage to the people."
He said, "Recently, with the heavy rains, many landslides have occurred, and there are also criticisms regarding reckless development of solar power facilities," emphasizing, "While ensuring thorough flood recovery, I hope preparations are made so that such floods and disasters never happen again."
Floor Leader Joo Ho-young also strongly requested, "I strongly urge that all affected areas be promptly declared special disaster zones," regarding the flood damage. He added, "Also, although we have promised to contribute 30% of our salaries to society for seven months, we are currently discussing donating one month's worth of that to flood relief funds." He said, "Once the rain stops, we plan to organize volunteers by party branches to assist with recovery efforts," and "We will recruit volunteers in our constituencies by tomorrow."
On this day, the United Future Party focused its criticism on prosecutorial reform and real estate issues. Chairman Kim said about recent prosecutorial reform, "I do not fully understand where President Moon's goals for prosecutorial reform lie," criticizing, "Looking at the 'collusion between prosecution and media' investigation conducted by the Central District Prosecutors' Office this time, it seems like they are artificially trying to create a certain situation."
He added, "Especially since the investigation results of the 'collusion between prosecution and media' have not been clearly revealed, and meanwhile, the term 'collusion between media and prosecution' has even emerged," and pointed out, "I hope President Moon clearly understands this and clarifies what the actual direction of prosecutorial reform is."
Regarding the real estate crisis, he raised his voice, saying, "Tenants inevitably suffer damage." Chairman Kim said, "Since the government has not provided a clear explanation about which direction it will take for tenants and lessees respectively, there seems to be a lot of confusion," and added, "I hope a new housing policy is established that does not cause speculation and allows people who want to own homes to predict the future." He also criticized Open Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jin-ae's remarks, saying, "It means that those who can pay taxes are allowed to speculate on real estate."
Floor Leader Joo said, "Some illegal acts and remarks by (Han Sang-hyuk) the Broadcasting and Communications Commission Chairman were revealed through a whistleblower who is a lawyer from the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, and although our party has filed a complaint, the Democratic Party of Korea refuses even to hold urgent questioning regarding the 'collusion between media and prosecution' allegations," raising his voice. "They always talk about a 'working National Assembly,' but are they trying not to work regarding the Broadcasting and Communications Commission? We strongly urge the opening of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee to respond to urgent questioning promptly."
Regarding prosecutorial personnel appointments, he said, "They self-praised that appointments were made fairly by balancing regional representation, but they filled four key positions with people from a specific region, so talking about regional balance is just laughable," and questioned, "If the president is doing this, was prosecutorial reform just about weakening the prosecution?"
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
