The government and the National Assembly, along with representatives from the ruling and opposition parties, emphasized 'restoration of people's livelihoods' and 'cooperation' in unison after about two months since the impeachment crisis. However, tensions remained regarding contentious issues such as the supplementary budget.
On the 20th, the first meeting of the National Governance Council was held at the National Assembly's Sarangjae. It has been 42 days since the launch of the National Governance Council aimed at stabilizing national governance after the impeachment crisis, and about two months since the presidential impeachment motion against Yoon Suk-yeol was passed.
The meeting was attended by Choi Sang-mok, acting president and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Woo Won-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly, Kwon Young-se, chair of the People Power Party's emergency response committee, and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party.
According to prior discussions, Acting President Choi took the lead in speaking first. He noted, 'Today, the government and the National Assembly gathered together. I hope this National Governance Council will yield substantial results and provide hope to the people.'
Acting President Choi emphasized the need for global trade environment adjustments and restoration of livelihoods due to the launch of the second Trump administration, suggesting three major policies: ▲ enactment of a semiconductor special law including 'working hour exceptions,' ▲ complete overhaul of land use regulations and corporate attraction laws, ▲ comprehensive support for livelihood recovery legislation.
Choi highlighted that the 'working hour exceptions' in the semiconductor special law are intended to enable focus on necessary tasks during a crucial time, stating, 'I believe we can find a reasonable solution based on safeguards for workers' health. If this is not included, it would be just a regular semiconductor law rather than a semiconductor special law.'
He further remarked, 'The trade war instigated by the U.S. is a 'job war' that seeks to protect existing jobs while taking away jobs from abroad.' He asserted that surviving the global job competition is unlikely under the current system of special return companies and the relocation of corporations, urging the need for a comprehensive reform of land use regulations and corporate attraction laws.
Acting President Choi also stated, 'Expanding income tax deductions for credit card expenses incurred at small businesses, increasing income tax deductions for additional consumption in the first half of this year, and enacting legislation to promote reconstruction and redevelopment are policies that deliver tangible benefits to the public.' He requested full support from the National Assembly for the livelihood recovery support bill, which directly impacts the lives of the middle class.
The People Power Party also expressed agreement on the necessity of cooperation.
Chairperson Kwon stated, 'We must look solely at the people and swiftly discuss urgent livelihood issues,' adding, 'Cooperation is the most crucial aspect of politics. While it may not be easy, there is a need for earnest dialogue and consultation. This is our duty to the public as politicians.' He continued, 'I hope this meeting will not just be a simple gathering to produce meaningless abstract agreements, but rather a substantive discussion that sets the direction for future working-level meetings.'
Taking the microphone next, Leader Lee Jae-myung urged, 'Let's find feasible solutions starting now.'
Leader Lee stated, 'As everyone can feel, many aspects of people's daily lives have significantly deteriorated amidst the ongoing economic recession and the overlapping internal turmoil,' and added, 'As a member of this assembly, I have been reflecting a lot on the disappointment caused by the politics that feels like a war.' He continued, 'We also agree with the three directions mentioned by Acting President Choi.'
Leader Lee remarked, 'We need to create at least the conditions for living so that the public does not suffer more, and I think the supplementary budget is an important means we can utilize right now. I hope we can reach possible agreements beyond minor differences.' He also suggested forming a National Assembly committee on trade to respond to the international trade environment.
However, subtle tensions between the ruling and opposition parties also unfolded over specific policies on this day.
Chairperson Kwon remarked, 'It is clearly wrong that the National Assembly unilaterally handled only cuts despite the constitutional budget authority resting with the government.' He pointed out that this was due to the absence of dialogue and compromise in politics, referencing the budget of 4.1 trillion won enforced at the end of last year under the opposition's leadership.
Leader Lee also stated that he found it 'difficult to agree' with Acting President Choi's emphasis on the necessity of exemptions for the 52-hour workweek in the semiconductor special law. He noted, 'It's always better to do something rather than nothing. If we can achieve even small progress, we need to push it forward. Adding conditions that make agreement difficult feels like a situation that the public would not happily agree to.'
Additionally, Speaker Woo mentioned, 'I hope we can reach an agreement even on the supplementary budget issue first.' He stated, 'The ruling party has discussed the future livelihoods budget, and the opposition has also expressed that it will not stick to the scale and items,' and added, 'While there are issues to be addressed, I believe there are areas of shared concern, so I see the possibility for agreement.'
He further emphasized, 'The livelihoods of the people have reached a limit. There are alarming signals across the economy, and many shops are closed when you walk into alleys.' He concluded, 'I think reaching an agreement on the supplementary budget is the news the people are most eagerly waiting for. It signifies stability in governance and is the starting point for restoring economic morale.'