Democratic Party: "Will Yoon Reject the Grain Management Act and Ignore Farmers' Cries?"

"Yoon Government, What Has Been Done to Stabilize Rice Prices?"
Presidential Office "Veto to Be Processed on the 4th or 11th"

The Democratic Party criticized the government for effectively preparing to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto) on the amendment to the Grain Management Act, asking, "Are you really going to ignore the desperate cries of the farmers?"

Lee Su-jin, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, stated during a briefing held at the National Assembly communication center on the 2nd, "What has the Yoon Seok-yeol administration done so far to stabilize rice prices that it so easily utters the word 'veto'?"

On the afternoon of the 23rd of last month, an amendment to the Act on the Management of Grain was approved during the plenary session held at the National Assembly. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Spokesperson Lee said, "This bill contained the desperate cries of farmers who had to scatter the rice they painstakingly cultivated on the asphalt," and criticized, "It is absurd that the government, which has consistently shown indifference and incompetence to the plummeting rice prices, is now claiming that exercising the veto is a 'decision for the people and farmers.'"

He continued, "The Rice Price Stabilization Act is intended to stabilize farm income and protect the rice industry through the state's mandatory purchase of excess rice production," emphasizing, "Moreover, the importance of food security has increased due to the global grain supply chain crisis."

He also said, "The Democratic Party has made efforts to create the best bill through multiple deliberations, but the People Power Party, which ultimately refused to negotiate the bill, is only insisting on exercising the veto," adding, "The exercise of the veto on the Rice Price Stabilization Act will gather numerous farmers on the asphalt in front of the Yongsan Presidential Office."

Spokesperson Lee urged, "President Yoon Seok-yeol, do not block the Rice Price Stabilization Act," and said, "Please do not make that 'decision' that has disappointed the people every time."

The Presidential Office announced on the same day regarding the exercise of the veto on the amendment to the Grain Management Act, "We believe public opinion has somewhat been gathered," and stated, "Whether on the 4th or the 11th, we think it is appropriate to handle it within a reasonable time." The 4th and 11th are the dates when the Cabinet meeting can decide on the request for reconsideration.