Yoon Jae-ok: "Current supplementary budget review is inappropriate... National Assembly should focus on disaster safety improvements"

Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, reaffirmed his opposition on the 20th to the supplementary budget allocation related to flood damage caused by heavy rain. He stated that not only the disaster-purpose contingency fund but also the general contingency fund could be considered for the flood-related budget.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Yoon said, "It is inappropriate to spend time reviewing the supplementary budget bill under the current circumstances, and we should urgently focus on executing the disaster-related budget." He added, "What the National Assembly should do is not to pressure the government for a supplementary budget but to listen to on-site difficulties to ensure proper flood recovery support and to assist the efforts of the government and private organizations to the fullest."

He emphasized, "(The National Assembly) should focus on gathering and reflecting diverse opinions on whether there are any overlooked legal amendments beyond the currently submitted flood and disaster bills and whether there are institutional improvements needed to upgrade the disaster safety system." He continued, "From budget issues of local governments to opposition from civic groups regarding river maintenance and the dismantling of the Four Major Rivers' weirs, various criticisms are pouring in. It is time for the National Assembly to firmly maintain its center so that these discussions do not lead to political strife but rather constructive improvements." He added, "Since there can be no division between ruling and opposition parties in the face of a national crisis, I hope that the July National Assembly will smoothly reach a consensus on flood response legislation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The day before, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his intention to prepare a supplementary budget for flood recovery and the revival of the livelihood economy. At the on-site Supreme Council meeting held in Andong, Gyeongbuk, Lee said, "We must now prepare a supplementary budget for flood recovery nationwide and especially for the difficult livelihood economy." He argued, "There is a way to simultaneously promote economic recovery and disaster preparedness or damage recovery. The existing methods and levels of disaster prevention facilities can no longer respond to this disaster. We need disaster prevention facilities and measures at a much higher level to respond to the climate crisis."

Regarding this, Floor Leader Yoon also expressed the opinion that the use of the general contingency fund could be considered. He said, "Since the Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced that it will provide disaster and accident countermeasure funds to each ministry and utilize all available government resources such as budget contingency funds, it is possible to consider using not only the disaster-purpose contingency fund of about 2.8 trillion won but also the general contingency fund as needed."

Regarding flood recovery, he explained, "Citizens are sending donations to support flood recovery," and added, "We are grateful for the warm kindness of the people. The government will also mobilize all available resources to provide support. Yesterday, 13 local governments were prioritized for special disaster area declarations, and plans are underway to promptly implement necessary support such as disaster relief payments, deferral and reduction of national and local taxes, and reduction of public utility charges."

Lee Cheol-gyu, secretary-general of the People Power Party, said, "All members of the People Power Party will participate in emergency disaster recovery volunteer activities and follow-up measures," and added, "We will carry out flood recovery with the participation of all party members so that residents affected by the record-breaking heavy rain can return to their daily lives as soon as possible." Accordingly, he explained, "From the 21st to the 28th, the entire party will designate a volunteer week and focus volunteer activities on three key base areas during this period."