New Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited the National Assembly on the 4th after taking office and paid a courtesy call on National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik. Kim emphasized in a meeting with reporters, “The National Assembly is the place where each party represents the will of the people,” adding, “It is appropriate for the opposition to participate in the voting on the supplementary budget.”
The ruling and opposition parties are unable to narrow their differences on issues such as presidential special activity expenses and the eligibility for consumer coupons in processing the supplementary budget proposal. The People Power Party is increasingly likely to abstain from voting.
In response, Prime Minister Kim said, “Isn’t the National Assembly the place where each party represents the will of the people?” He continued, “It would be good for both the ruling and opposition parties, especially the opposition, to utilize the National Assembly 200%. It is natural for the budget proposals, including the supplementary budget, to be fully discussed in the National Assembly, expressing opinions for and against, and gaining the support of the people.”
He also added, “I feel regret that the opposition did not participate in yesterday’s prime minister approval vote and that expressing opposing opinions through votes enhances democracy.”
With the ruling party's sole handling of the prime minister approval and the processing of the supplementary budget being anticipated, concerns about the 'loss of cooperation' have been raised. In response, Prime Minister Kim said, “Can we call it unilateral processing if, during the process of sufficiently discussing and deciding, it results in non-participation?”
He remarked, “It is important to make efforts that everyone can participate. There are majorities, minorities, votes, discussions, and agreements present, and in that process, making as much effort as possible while handling things one by one is crucial.” He added, “Ultimately, if everyone participates and makes a decision, it seems the public would be pleased.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Woo said, “I hope that each ministry, as well as the National Assembly, will actively communicate to ensure the stability of state affairs and the recovery of people’s livelihoods, and I look forward to the Prime Minister leading this well in a balanced manner.”
In response, Prime Minister Kim stated, “I will always listen, seek your advice, and cooperate to ensure that the new government takes the right path and focuses on improving people’s livelihoods.”