[In the Photo: Politics] 'Dismissal Recommendation, Budget, Strike' Standoff Between Ruling and Opposition Parties

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Dong-joo] The Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party are engaged in an all-out confrontation as the legal deadline for budget approval on the 2nd approaches. There is no concession on issues including the motion to dismiss Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, the New Year budget approval, and the Cargo Solidarity general strike.

On the 30th, Seongon Wi, the Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Representative Sujin Lee submitted a motion to dismiss Minister Sangmin Lee of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to the National Assembly's Legislative Affairs Office. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min is seen briefly lost in thought while attending the full meeting of the Administrative Safety Committee held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 1st.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the motion to dismiss Minister Lee Sang-min, the Democratic Party has opened the possibility not only for the dismissal motion but also for an impeachment motion, prompting the People Power Party to boycott the government audit and engage in a full confrontation.

The Tax Subcommittee of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee could not be held on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Shin Dong-geun, opposition party secretary of the Tax Subcommittee, Ko Yong-jin, member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Jang Hye-young, member of the Justice Party, are talking before the start of the National Assembly Tax Subcommittee on the 28th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Concerning the budget, the Democratic Party plans to withdraw the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, such as corporate tax reductions, and instead secure 'livelihood budgets' including local currency, public rental housing, and senior (public) job budgets. In response, the People Power Party is opposing by boycotting the Budget Adjustment Subcommittee of the Tax Subcommittee under the Planning and Finance Committee.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

In response to the Cargo Solidarity general strike, the confrontation centers on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s issuance of a work commencement order to cement sector transport operators. The Democratic Party strongly criticized this, calling it "an irresponsible and arbitrary state operation" by President Yoon for hastily deciding on the work commencement order, while the People Power Party is pressuring Cargo Solidarity by labeling it a 'privileged union' and emphasizing a 'zero tolerance' policy, resulting in a standoff with the Democratic Party.