The economy was on top of the agenda today at parliament.
Lawmakers quizzed government officials over an array of issues, including the recent e-commerce chaos.
Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.
On the third day of the four-day parliamentary questioning, South Korea’s slow recovery of domestic demand was the first topic to take center stage.
“Domestic demand hasn’t improved much, and many people share this concern. What are your thoughts?”
“We’re working to support people’s livelihoods. While inflation has stabilized, food and agricultural prices are still affected by climate change. The government is trying to stabilize prices during the Chuseok holiday by increasing the supply of agricultural products and offering various discounts.”
Also, the liquidity crises at e-commerce platforms TMON and WeMakePrice, which recently created massive chaos here, were included in the question list.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo disagreed with a DP lawmaker’s claim that the government should share the blame for the situation.
Meanwhile, a PPP lawmaker emphasized the government’s efforts to address the issues faced by vendors affected by the payment delays from the two companies.
“The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is providing emergency funding to support many sellers and consumers affected by the crisis at TMON and WeMakePrice. Right?”
“Regarding the issue of payments owed to merchants, the government has allocated a total of 570 billion won in emergency funding. The interest rate on loans was initially 3-point-5 percent, but after requests to lower it, it’s now 2-point-5 percent. Payments began on August 16 to quickly help those affected.”
Another DP lawmaker asked the finance minister the reason the government objected to the opposition-led bill that aims to provide economic relief payments in the form of vouchers to the entire population.
The DP has been trying again to push forward with the bill that was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol a month ago.
“The recovery in domestic demand hasn’t reached small businesses and traditional markets. The local currency vouchers you mentioned can be used more widely, and while they might be helpful regionally, there’s doubt about whether they will truly boost consumption nationwide.”
He added that unlike local currency vouchers, the current Onnuri gift certificates are aimed specifically at small businesses and traditional markets, emphasizing their greater impact.
Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
source : https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=275989
