DP Floor Leader Han Byung-do Fires Back at Criticism Over Tax Revision: "Reflecting Public Voice in Policy"

Democratic Party Floor Leader Han Byung-do stated regarding next year's government budget and tax revision bills, "We will listen closely to the public's voice to enhance the completeness of the budget and tax system."

During a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly today (the 3rd), Floor Leader Han emphasized, "The budget and tax system are the core instruments of the state that support people's livelihoods and design the future of South Korea."

Regarding the government's revised tax proposal, he evaluated it as "a rational outcome born from listening to the opinions of the public and the market and deliberating thoroughly between the party and the government." He added, "A reasonable plan has been established that maintains the benefit of raising the basic deduction for actual homeowners with a single residence from 1.2 billion won to 1.4 billion won, while keeping the basic deduction for non-resident single homeowners at the current 1.2 billion won."

He went on to say, "Regarding the measures to prevent stock market suppression (amendments to the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act) that were not reflected in this tax revision, we will prepare effective measures during the regular session of the National Assembly based on the bills proposed by our party's lawmakers."

In response to the People Power Party's criticism labeling the government's tax revision as a "U-turn after 29 days," Floor Leader Han pointed out, "I want to ask the People Power Party back: how is listening to the public voice and reflecting it in policy considered fickle or a surrender?"

He further stated, "The Yoon Suk Yeol administration and the People Power Party may have ignored the public and pushed through policies once decided, but the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party do not work that way."

In addition, he remarked, "The People Power Party is spinning absurd sophistry by claiming that 'a lame duck phase is beginning,' which is completely unwarranted," adding, "Contrary to the People Power Party's misplaced hopes, the party, government, and presidential office are cooperating and working organically more than ever before."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.