The People Power Party criticized the Democratic Party, which proposed a supplementary budget of 35 trillion won, saying, "Withdraw the supplementary budget proposal." They particularly pointed out that the budget for the issuance of local currency, approximately 15 trillion won, is "a wasteful project with unproven economic effects" and urged its immediate scrapping.
The People Power Party issued a statement in the afternoon through Kim Sang-hoon, the policy chief, and refuted item by item regarding the budget.
Kim noted, "Just two months ago, the Democratic Party forced through a budget cut proposal during this year's main budget review, reducing the government's total expenditure scale, and preventing any increases through National Assembly review."
He continued, "They did not offer any apology to the citizens and government officials who suffered as a result."
He particularly criticized the fact that 43.5% of the total scale of the supplementary budget was allocated to the local currency project, known as the 'Lee Jae-myung project.' He pointed out, "They are only displaying a stubborn face that knows nothing but cash distribution."
Among the supplementary budget proposed by the Democratic Party, the local currency budget amounts to 15.1 trillion won, including the livelihood recovery consumer coupon project (13.1 trillion won) and the 10% discount costs for local currency (2 trillion won). Including cashback payments (2.4 trillion won) and consumption vouchers (0.5 trillion won), the People Power Party analyzed that 18 trillion won (51.9% of the total) would be used.
Regarding the loss compensation support fund for small business owners and self-employed individuals (2 trillion won), they pointed out that there is "no specific basis."
Kim said, "It is true that support is needed to relieve the difficulties of small business owners and self-employed individuals," but added, "The Democratic Party's cash support cannot lead to sustained sales growth."
He added, "Right now, it is urgent to address uncertainties following the inauguration of the new U.S. Trump administration and to tackle inflation factors."
Regarding the budget for supporting farmers and fishermen, including the supply of inorganic fertilizers, he claimed it is "a livelihood budget sacrificed due to the Democratic Party's unilateral budget cuts" and stated that "Had there not been any unilateral actions, these matters could have been sufficiently reflected through discussions with both ruling and opposition parties." He pointed out, "The Democratic Party, which has completely blocked any increases, is now attempting to speak of increases as if granting a favor, which is a deception of the people."
Regarding the budget allocation for public housing and OSOC investment (1.1 trillion won), he stated, "It does not make sense." Kim pointed out, "During last year's budget review, the Democratic Party advocated for cuts related to housing purchase Jeonse loans (723.3 billion won), integrated public lease investment (84 billion won), and housing maintenance projects (40 billion won)."
He emphasized that the proposals for budget increases for improving treatment for soldiers, securing competitiveness in future industries, including semiconductors, were all canceled due to the Democratic Party's "enforcement of budget cuts last year."
Kim stated, "If the Democratic Party genuinely cared about the livelihood of the people, it should have insisted on increasing the livelihood budget last year for credibility," and added, "The Democratic Party, which fundamentally deprived the National Assembly of its unique authority in budget review, is in no position to speak of supplementary budgets."
He continued, "Restoring last year's unilateral budget cuts aimed at ensuring 'Lee Jae-myung's protection' is the first step to confirming the Democratic Party's sincerity regarding the supplementary budget."