Lee Jae-myung Indicates 'Sole Passage' of Revised Budget Proposal Reflecting Only Opposition's Cuts for Next Year

"Will Have Amendments Cutting Unjustified Budget Beyond Original and Preliminary Budgets"
"Government and Ruling Party's Budget Looks Rushed... Like a Fake Mother"
Park Hong-geun "If Ultra-Wealthy Tax Cuts Are Withdrawn and Livelihood Budget Accepted, Processing Within Legal Deadline Is Possible"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Jun-i] The Democratic Party of Korea announced that it is considering a plan to at least pass the reduced budget regarding next year's budget bill. In cases where an increase requires government approval, if the government and ruling party do not agree, the opposition party can still pass a budget bill reflecting only the cuts.

On the 28th, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, "The Democratic Party cannot agree to unreasonable budgets such as the Police Bureau budget or ultra-rich tax cuts," adding, "Regarding next year's budget, if necessary, rather than choosing between the government's original plan and a provisional budget, we will exercise our authority to select the Democratic Party's amendment that cuts inappropriate budgets even if we cannot increase the budget." He continued, "I urge the government and ruling party to engage in sincere negotiations and approach this with a serious attitude as they are responsible for national management."

Lee also criticized the government and ruling party regarding the budget bill process, saying, "The government and ruling party do not seem to be in any hurry at all," and "It is like a fake mother who only cares about property regardless of whether her child dies. The ruling party should be making efforts, but instead, they are forcing the opposition to make those efforts."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said, "The way the government and ruling party have shown during budget review feels like talking to a brick wall," adding, "Even now, if the government and ruling party give up the ultra-rich tax cuts exceeding 60 trillion won and significantly increase the livelihood budget for seniors, self-employed, youth, farmers, and the disabled, while boldly cutting wasteful budgets related to the presidential office relocation or illegal enforcement ordinances, the budget bill can be passed before the legal deadline." He further urged, "We call for a progressive stance from the government and ruling party for the smooth passage of the budget bill."