Democratic Party: "Raising the Age for Free Rides Is Not Appropriate"

Sung-hwan Kim, Chairman of the Policy Committee, "Government Must Increase Accountability"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The Democratic Party of Korea announced on the 12th that it opposes the plan to raise the age for free subway rides in Seoul from 65 to 70 years old.

Kim Seonghwan, the chairman of the Policy Committee, said at a National Assembly press briefing that morning, "Given the high elderly poverty rate and the very fragile pension system, raising the age to 70 is not appropriate. However, it is also not right for the younger generation to bear the full cost, so government financial support is inevitable."

He added, "The Ministry of Strategy and Finance says it cannot provide support due to fairness with areas without subways, but in that case, transportation vouchers could be given to elderly people in regions without subways as well. It is irresponsible not to provide funds using such an excuse."

He further stated, "We judge that it is right to solve the subway free ride deficit issue by increasing government responsibility, and we will push for related legislation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the government's heating cost measures, he said, "Heating costs rose even more in February, causing public distress, but instead of measures, there are only lies. The supplementary budget of 30 trillion won, including 7.2 trillion won in energy price support and nine major livelihood projects, must be quickly (prepared)."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party will hold a forum this week with all its members participating to begin public discussions on electoral system reform.

Chairman Kim said, "We experimented with the semi-proportional representation system in the last election, but due to the emergence of satellite parties and the overall shortage of proportional seats, the system's intent was not realized in practice. Holding elections under the current system is neither responsible nor ethical to the people, so considering vote equality, proportionality, and alleviation of regionalism, we will start public discussions for better electoral system reform without clinging to vested interests."

Additionally, they plan to install an 'Economic Crisis Situation Board' in the party leader's conference room to inform the public in real time about the livelihood and economic crisis and discuss response measures.