"Next Year’s Budget to Increase"

Uri Party floor leader Chun Jung-bae revealed on October 26 that “the budget for next year as submitted by the government will be increased in the process of deliberation by the National Assembly, as projections for next year’s economy have become significantly worse than what was initially anticipated.” After announcing the above during his speech as representative of his negotiating group, Chun proposed, “Let’s form a roundtable conference on legislation to improve the lives of the people, where the leadership of the four parties and the policy-makers will get together to hold open discussions.”

Regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the Special Law on Administrative Capital Relocation, Representative Chun said, “Some have pointed out that the sudden emergence of the ‘common constitution’ has not only damaged the National Assembly’s right to legislate but also our Constitution itself.” He expressed his regret by stating, “I recognize the validity of the Constitutional Court’s decision, but I feel that the ongoing debate on the subject demonstrates the wholesomeness of our society.”

He also stated, “In abolishing the National Security Law, we will amend and supplement the provisions regarding treason in the criminal law, to eliminate anxiety and apprehension about our country’s security.” “The four bills currently at issue, including the Past Injustices Investigation Law, the Private Schools Law, and the various media-related acts, will be processed during the regular session of the National Assembly,” he emphasized.

He proposed a summit meeting between Seoul and Pyongyang, saying, “All discussions concerning the expansion of inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, not to mention the North Korean nuclear issue, must take place between the North and South. I call for President Roh and Chairman Kim to meet face to face and carry out a responsible dialogue as heads of state.”

Young-Hae Choi Yeon-Wook Jung yhchoi65@donga.com jyw11@donga.com