Kwon Seong-dong: "We Must Prioritize People's Suffering... Supplementary Budget Is Not a Victory for Either Party"

Kwon Seong-dong, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, Issues Statement on Supplementary Budget on the 28th

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 6th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The People Power Party repeatedly requested the Democratic Party of Korea to cooperate in the passage of the second supplementary budget bill this year.

On the 28th, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated in a position paper regarding the supplementary budget, "The moral duty of politics is to prioritize the suffering of the people," adding, "The goal of passing this supplementary budget is neither the ruling party's victory nor the opposition's victory. The sole objective is the urgent livelihood of the people."

Kwon emphasized, "Some small business owners are on the brink of closure due to rent payments. Others are so anxious that they cannot eat and only look for news articles related to the supplementary budget," adding, "What these people need is immediate support."

He continued, "Regardless of party lines, we must first listen to the voices of the people. Sometimes, the timing of budget execution is more important than the scale," and said, "If more support is needed, it can be discussed later. We must not ignore the heartfelt pleas of the people."

Kwon also pointed out, "Members of the Democratic Party, just because the positions of the ruling and opposition parties have changed, you should not change your attitude toward the suffering of the people," asking, "Is it right to hold back paramedics by insisting on a comprehensive examination when emergency treatment is needed?"

He then appealed, "I urge the members of the Democratic Party. There are people who cannot even raise a small voice and are fearful of tomorrow. We must hold their hands and stand by their side," adding, "That is the responsibility of politicians."

The ruling and opposition parties had originally agreed to hold a plenary session of the National Assembly at 8 p.m. on the same day to process the supplementary budget bill, but the session was postponed to the 29th due to unresolved disagreements over retroactive application of COVID-19 loss compensation, among other issues.