'No discord between party and administration'; vows to push ahead with policy agenda, living-economy legislation
Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Han Byung-do on Thursday called on People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok to issue a formal party apology to the public before Dec. 3, warning that the Democratic Party would "hold the insurrection-shielding forces who refuse even an apology accountable to the very end."
Speaking at a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, Han said an apology for the illegal martial law declaration of Dec. 3 "is not a formality to be performed mechanically when the time comes." He added that if the PPP still needed former President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval before issuing one, "it means the People Power Party remains a party complicit in insurrection that has yet to break free from 'Yoon Again.'"
Han also pushed back against the PPP's attacks over what the opposition has characterized as discord between the Democratic Party and Cheong Wa Dae on a proposed real estate tax reform. "There is clearly no discord between the party and the administration," he said.
Han said the PPP was "blocking both plenary sessions and budget reviews — resorting to filibusters (legally obstructing legislative proceedings through unlimited debate) inside the chamber and street protests outside." He said the party was also boycotting standing committees, delaying budget subcommittee sessions and "working itself into a frenzy trying to drive a wedge between the party and the administration."
"They seem intent on doing everything that is of no help to people's livelihoods," Han said, and went on to say, "I can say with certainty that the party and the government are working in close cooperation for the betterment of people's lives."
Han said that at a dinner with President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday, he had relayed the party's request for government measures to overcome polarization and boost consumption. "The president expressed agreement and emphasized that the party and the administration must move as one, with a single heart and purpose," Han said.
He said that "while the People Power Party clings to political feuding, the Democratic Party and the Lee Jae Myung administration will cling to people's livelihoods," and vowed to accelerate work on state affairs and living-economy legislation while ensuring next year's budget is passed within the statutory deadline.
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