Ruling and opposition leaders' war of nerves... Han Dong-hoon: "Prosecutor impeachment is a build-up to defy the ruling" vs Lee Jae-myung: "Special prosecutor, make a decision"

Discussion on Special Prosecutor Chaesangbyeong, Financial Investment Tax, and 250,000 Won Support Law
Consensus Formed for Swift Processing of Non-Controversial Bills

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met. While emphasizing cooperation, they engaged in a tense exchange over contentious issues. Han criticized the Democratic Party's move to impeach prosecutors as "Lee's buildup of defiance against the ruling," but Lee pressured the ruling party to propose the Special Prosecutor Act for Corporal Chae, stating that he would accept a third-party recommendation method and allegations of evidence manipulation.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung greet each other before a meeting discussing the Special Prosecutor Act for Chae Sang-byeong, the abolition of the financial investment income tax, and the law to provide 250,000 won to all citizens, held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 1st.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 1st, Han and Lee met at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, for a meeting between the heads of the ruling and opposition parties. Han delivered an opening statement for about 13 minutes, and Lee spoke for about 18 minutes before starting a closed-door meeting. The closed-door meeting, attended by the policy chiefs and chief spokespersons of both parties, was scheduled to last 90 minutes in a 3-on-3 format. The agenda included the Special Prosecutor Act for Corporal Chae, the financial investment income tax, and the special measure law for the 250,000 KRW nationwide livelihood recovery support fund (the 250,000 KRW support law).

"Hoping to handle common pledges," but differences remain over the 250,000 KRW support law and financial investment tax

Both Han and Lee emphasized the importance of cooperation and livelihood issues. Han proposed establishing a 'Livelihood Fast Track' to separately handle non-contentious bills. He said, "I believe that this meeting between the heads of the ruling and opposition parties, held for the first time in 11 years, will be the start of productive and practical politics that narrows differences and broadens consensus," adding, "Livelihood comes first above all. Let's pursue politics that reduce and narrow disparities in housing, assets, care, and education." Lee responded, "Even if thoughts and positions differ, politics is about improving people's lives through dialogue and compromise," and expressed hope that "a consultative body for common pledges between the ruling and opposition parties will be created to handle common pledges."

However, they engaged in a tense exchange over issues on which the ruling and opposition parties are at odds. Regarding the 250,000 KRW support law, which was also on the closed-door meeting agenda, Han likened it to "cash handouts." Han said, "The Democratic Party calls cash handouts a livelihood measure, but the available public funds are limited," adding, "Our party believes in welfare tailored to everyone's needs, not uniform welfare for all." On the other hand, Lee countered, "It would be good if the livelihood recovery support fund, which gives consumption coupons to all citizens, can be discussed and compromised at an appropriate level," and said, "(The 250,000 KRW support law) is an efficient policy that helps self-employed people, local businesses, and regions, and also contributes to increasing tax revenue."

They also showed subtle differences in position regarding the financial investment income tax. Han said, "The 1-to-99 style of dividing the people frame harms all small investors and leaves no room in the harsh reality where workers lose jobs due to business closures," adding, "Fortunately, Lee also recognizes that the financial investment tax cannot remain as it is." Lee, on the other hand, said, "It would be good to consider a plan to significantly ease the tax for a certain period," but added, "Since Korea's stock market is abnormal, implementing the financial investment tax, which most countries in the world have, right now could cause problems, so we need to supplement it."

Mutual attacks... Han Dong-hoon: "Prosecutor impeachment dismissed by Constitutional Court" vs. Lee Jae-myung: "Include evidence manipulation allegations in special prosecutor"

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung are moving after taking a commemorative photo ahead of the ruling and opposition party leaders' meeting on the afternoon of the 1st at the reception room of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Han criticized the Democratic Party's push for prosecutor impeachment as an attempt to defy rulings. Han said, "Recently, the impeachment of the prosecutor who investigated Lee was unanimously dismissed by the Constitutional Court," adding, "Many see the Democratic Party's impeachment against prosecutors involved in investigations or indictments of Lee and the Democratic Party as a buildup to defy the upcoming ruling on Lee." He continued, "Regarding the upcoming trial results, even if the People Power Party is dissatisfied, we will refrain from crossing the line in our remarks," and added, "We expect the Democratic Party will not consider defying the court rulings either."

Lee targeted Han while demanding acceptance of the Special Prosecutor Act for Corporal Chae. Lee said, "(Han) suggested including allegations of evidence manipulation in the Special Prosecutor Act for Corporal Chae, so let's do it," adding, "You must make a decision now." He also said, "I understand your position," but added, "Politicians representing the people should know well that they cannot deviate from the public interest because of personal or surrounding issues." Han made no separate remarks regarding the Special Prosecutor Act for Corporal Chae.

Lee emphasized his regret that the medical crisis was excluded from the meeting agenda. Lee said, "The medical crisis is a matter of public life. It does not disappear just because you cover it with your hand and refuse to see it," adding, "I basically agree with increasing quotas and strengthening essential medical publicness, which are the basic directions of the medical plan, but dialogue, understanding, and compromise are absolutely necessary at the policy implementation stage." He added, "I hope sufficient dialogue on this issue will take place with Han."

Han said, "Medical reform is ultimately for the livelihood of the people, but it is also important to alleviate the public's anxiety about the immediate medical gap," adding, "As party leader, I will make further efforts to maintain the essence and momentum of medical reform while addressing the public's current concerns and anxieties."