Government-Excluded Ruling and Opposition Parties' Council Begins... Ruling Party Focuses on "Economic Vitality" vs Opposition Demands "Supplementary Budget First"

Speaker Woo Wonsik Chairs Meeting with Ruling and Opposition Floor Leaders
Discussions Expected to Continue on Supplementary Budget and Pension Reform

Excluding the government side, the ruling and opposition parties' National Policy Council held a meeting on the 6th at the National Assembly, mediated by Speaker Woo Won-sik. The ruling and opposition leadership are expected to continue discussions on pension reform, the Special Act on Semiconductors, and the supplementary budget (supplementary budget) at this meeting.

Speaker Woo met with Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, and Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, at the Speaker's office in the afternoon and said, "I also spoke to Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok about today's meeting," adding, "Acting President Choi said he hopes that the ruling and opposition parties will cooperate smoothly so that the government can work effectively."

Earlier, the ruling and opposition parties had planned to hold a National Policy Council meeting with Acting President Choi on the 28th of last month, but the Democratic Party boycotted the meeting about 30 minutes before it started, citing Acting President Choi's refusal to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk as a Constitutional Court justice.

Considering the tense atmosphere of last month's failed meeting, Speaker Woo lightened the mood by complimenting Floor Leader Kwon, who was present, saying, "Your tie looks great," to which Floor Leader Kwon responded, "It's a 20-year-old tie."

Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Kwon Seong-dong of the People Power Party and Park Chan-dae, floor leaders of the Democratic Party, are taking a commemorative photo before the state consultation body meeting held at the Speaker's office on the 6th. 2025.3.6 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Speaker Woo said, "After the first National Policy Council meeting, we tried to hold a second meeting, but it fizzled out due to disagreements," adding, "In the meantime, the chief floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties gathered and agreed to discuss issues that must be resolved at the council, which is why we are here today." He emphasized, "What we all agree on is that the lives of the people are very difficult, and we must solve this."

Floor Leader Kwon said, "The economy is very difficult right now, and many people are struggling," adding, "At times like this, I believe economic cooperation to revitalize South Korea's economy is necessary. I will cooperate well with the Democratic Party."

In his opening remarks, Floor Leader Park said, "As Floor Leader Kwon said, domestic demand is very sluggish, and economic growth is difficult," adding, "We must definitely discuss the supplementary budget for stabilizing people's livelihoods and economic recovery today," and "Not only the ruling party but also the opposition party greatly agrees on the necessity of the supplementary budget." He added, "We will work to ensure the government can submit the supplementary budget proposal," and "It would be good if the agreed matters between the ruling and opposition parties are discussed concretely."