Han Byung-do vows full party support for '3 mega projects,' pledges key legislation by December

The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to marshal its full resources behind legislative and budgetary support for the early realization of the government's "three mega projects" — large-scale regional investment initiatives. The party also set a target of completing passage of all major policy legislation under the Lee Jae Myung administration by December, and plans to accelerate reforms to National Assembly procedures.

Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, said Saturday at a senior party-government consultative meeting held at the prime minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, that the three mega projects represent "a historic decision that will fundamentally transform the future of South Korea," adding that "the party and government must pour every ounce of capacity into making them a reality as soon as possible."

Han said the party would "provide thorough legislative and budgetary support through the task force dedicated to the three mega projects," and added that it would also "review upgrading the task force to a standing committee."

The Democratic Party also signaled it would push hard on policy legislation. Han said the party would "concentrate all its strength on passing every major piece of Lee Jae Myung administration legislation in a first round by December," stressing that "institutional reform is needed to build a working National Assembly."

To that end, Han said the party would again pursue reforms to Assembly procedures, including shortening the processing period for fast-track bills and tightening the requirements for filibusters.

Han also flagged urgent price stability as a key issue. "The price burden felt by the public is growing heavier, with not only fuel costs but also the prices of agricultural, livestock and fishery products rising sharply," he said, urging the government to "monitor price trends in real time and implement tailored measures swiftly and boldly."

Meanwhile, the senior party-government meeting also discussed the government's regional balanced development policy, measures to support the livelihoods economy, and plans to advance major policy legislation.