South Korean Parliament Struggles to Prioritize Livelihood Bills Amidst Election Preparations

South Korean Parliament Faces Delays in Processing Livelihood Bills Amidst Election Preparations

The South Korean parliament is currently grappling with the challenge of prioritizing legislation related to people’s livelihoods as preparations for the upcoming general elections take center stage. With the final plenary session of the temporary parliament scheduled for next month, both the ruling and opposition parties are struggling to expedite the processing of crucial bills concerning the well-being of the citizens.

As of the 28th, there are a staggering 16,624 pending bills in the 21st National Assembly. However, with only 73 days left until the general elections, both parties are primarily focused on their election campaigns, effectively putting the parliament in a state of “open-close.” This situation has raised concerns about potential delays in addressing significant legislative matters.

Ruling Party’s Priorities:

The ruling party, the Democratic Party, has emphasized the need to prioritize key contentious bills. These include the Special Act on Preemptive Measures, amendments to the Grain Management Act, and the introduction of a regional doctor system. Unfortunately, these bills are currently facing opposition from the opposition party, resulting in their stagnation in the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

Opposition Party’s Priorities:

The opposition party, the United Future Party, has advocated for the prioritization of bills related to supporting domestic defense industry exports and the relocation of KDB Industrial Bank to Busan. However, these bills have also encountered opposition, preventing their passage in the parliament.

Stalled Bills:

A proposed amendment to the Mercury Act, aimed at increasing the capital limit of policy support funds, has faced resistance from the Democratic Party due to concerns about potential favoritism towards specific companies. Similarly, the proposed amendment to the Forest Act, which focuses on the relocation of the Forest Service to Busan, has been met with opposition from the Democratic Party, citing inefficiency as the main reason.

Overall, the South Korean parliament finds itself in a stalemate as it navigates the delicate balance between prioritizing livelihood bills and preparing for the upcoming general elections. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the legislative environment and the welfare of the Korean people.