PPP Demands Toughest Disciplinary Action Over Choo Mi-ae and Boo Seung-chan's Fire Budget Remarks
The People Power Party on the 20th urged the party-level harshest disciplinary action against Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae and Democratic Party lawmaker Boo Seung-chan over their inappropriate remarks about the fire services budget. Governor Choo sparked criticism when she said during a National Assembly audit of the Administrative and Interior Affairs Committee on October 13 that "the fire services are like a big fiscal 'straw' causing us headaches," and later apologized. Rep. Boo faced additional backlash after saying during an audit of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on October 19, while defending Governor Choo, that "the fire services are sucking up finances."
Kim Mi-ae, the PPP's chief policy coordinator on the floor, said: "We cannot help but be enraged by the heartless and outrageous conduct that dismisses noble sacrifice and dedication as a mere fiscal burden." She added, "Party leader Kim Min-seok has issued a stern warning to Rep. Boo and ordered an ex-officio investigation by the Ethics Tribunal, but there is no need for a forced apology made only under pressure. Stop the theatrics. We strongly urge that Rep. Boo be held strictly accountable for his outrageous remarks."
Kim Seon-gyo, a second-term lawmaker from Gyeonggi Province, said: "I express deep regret over Governor Choo's thoughtless remark that the fire services are a fiscal 'straw.' As someone born and raised in Gyeonggi Province, where I intend to be laid to rest, it is truly shameful and lamentable that such a person is the governor of our Gyeonggi Province." Rep. Jin Jong-oh wrote on Facebook: "A straw is a tool for sucking up what belongs to others, and whoever is attached at the end becomes someone who drains resources. If such words came out of her mouth, it means that perception was in her head," urging her to retract the remarks and apologize.
Choi Soo-jin, the PPP's chief spokeswoman on the floor, said in a statement: "Even in the face of the tragedy of firefighters who died in the line of duty, powerful figures in the ruling party have hammered nails into the hearts of bereaved families and the public, not to mention showing remorse, but through controversies over their crude remarks and privilege parking." She criticized: "Rather than mocking the public with a forced apology, get them in line right away."
Bae Joon-young, the opposition secretary on the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Committee, said: "I will take the lead in providing legal and budgetary support to improve the treatment of firefighters and strengthen the state's responsibility."
