SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - South Korea’s opposition-controlled National Assembly on Tuesday approved the nation's 2024 budget of 673.3 trillion won ($470.8 billion), a 4.1 trillion won reduction from the government’s initial proposal, without the ruling party's consent.
The budget bill was passed with 183 votes in favor, 94 against, and 1 abstention. The cuts were primarily driven by the main opposition Democratic Party, which has been critical of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s policies.
The passage of the budget comes amid heightened political tensions in South Korea. DP leader Lee Jae-myung has cited the need to alleviate political uncertainty, triggered by President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.
The opposition’s budget cuts reflected significant reductions to the so-called special activity funds for the prosecution and presidential offices as well as the Board of Audit and Inspection, which the DP alleges have been misused by senior officials.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
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