The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to form a people's livelihood economic council to discuss various economic issues. As difficulties surrounding the people's livelihood economy, such as U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations and economic slowdown, increase, the political sector has opened a channel for dialogue over economic issues.
On the afternoon of the 8th, the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party held a briefing at the National Assembly communication center to explain the results of the meeting between President Lee Jae-myung and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties. The meeting was realized at the suggestion of the presidential office. President Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk gathered in one place for the first time. This was also the first time Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk held hands.
At this meeting, President Lee and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties agreed to form a people's livelihood economic council. Democratic Party chief spokesperson Park Soo-hyun and People Power Party chief spokesperson Park Seong-hoon stated during the briefing, "It should not be a mere formality but a council with themes that can produce tangible results." They further agreed that detailed discussions on the composition would proceed through practical consultations within each unit, adding, "This was suggested by Jang Dong-hyuk, and President Lee Jae-myung and leader Jeong Cheong-rae actively accepted it, leading to the agreement."
The people's livelihood economic council is expected to uncover specific agendas centered on the joint pledges of the ruling and opposition parties during the last presidential election. Park Soo-hyun, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, explained, "The presidential office's political affairs office will be a partner, and the ruling and opposition parties will conduct practical discussions through the floor leaders or policy chairpersons to form it," adding, "The decision not to use the term regularization was made to avoid disappointing the public and burdening the political sector, as it might not be honored depending on the political situation." Chief Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun noted, "If there is a request from the opposition leader, it will be reflected in the process."
Regarding specific agendas, the People Power Party cited youth employment issues, while the Democratic Party mentioned the abolition of the crime of breach of trust as examples. Chief Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon from the People Power Party pointed out, "The youth's actual unemployment rate is 16.1%, and the official unemployment rate is 5.5%, which is a serious problem," urging, "Now is the time to consider issues like increasing youth unemployment due to AI and the Yellow Envelope Law."
Chief Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun noted, "In response to the opposition's request for immediate measures to increase youth employment, we will demand solutions through the departments," adding, "Leader Jeong Cheong-rae suggested that it would be good to discuss improvements to the system for the crime of breach of trust to help struggling corporations."
Additionally, the opposition proposed changing the paradigm of real estate measures from government-led to private-led initiatives, as well as the need for both parties to consider follow-up measures for the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations. Concerns regarding the pace of judicial reform and the ruling party's unilateral legislative initiatives were also conveyed, along with opposition to the government organization law.
Furthermore, Chief Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon reported that the atmosphere surrounding President Lee accepting Jang's proposal was positive. He stated, "Regarding judicial reform, President Lee Jae-myung's remarks at the lunch were understood as an inclination to moderate the pace," mentioning, "I heard he will proceed with the push after listening to the opposition's stance."
Park Seong-hoon then conveyed, "Regarding the request to exercise a veto on the special tribunal for insurrection and the amendment to the special prosecutor law, President Lee did not give a definitive answer; however, there was a response that he would listen to the opposition's opinions and discuss sufficiently," adding, "President Lee mentioned that the government also needs a red team."
There is also a possibility that meetings between the leaders of both parties and President Lee will continue in the future. Chief Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon mentioned, "If the opposition leader requests a meeting as needed, the president will accommodate it and proceed with discussions," adding, "We plan to propose meetings anytime when necessary for a meeting between the leaders of both parties or a summit meeting."
The ruling party also predicted the possibility of cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties. Chief Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun said, "Today's meeting will likely lead to mutual understanding of the importance of the leaders from both parties meeting," adding, "As the regular National Assembly session has begun, I hope the meetings held behind the scenes between the two parties can continue more openly for the public to see."