Disturbing the government

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea slashed the government budget for next year and passed the reduced budget unilaterally through the Special Budget Settlement Committee.

The party, which has a majority in the National Assembly, is also pushing to impeach the chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection and senior prosecutors.

It seems determined to disturb the government.

The budget the majority party passed through the committee amid a ruling party boycott Friday reflects only reductions that it wants.

The original government budget of 677.4 trillion won ($485 billion) was curtailed by 4.1 trillion won.

It is the first time in the history of Korea's constitutional governance that a budget bill was processed without bipartisan agreement in the budget committee.

The party removed special activity expenses for the presidential office and the National Security Office, specific work and special activity expenses for the prosecution and the Board of Audit and Inspection, and special activity expenses for the police.