DP to propose cash handouts as 1st bill of new National Assembly

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) plans to propose legislation providing cash handouts of 250,000 won (US$184) to the entire population as its first bill of the new National Assembly set to open later this month, its new floor leader said Monday. Rep. Park Chan-dae unveiled the plan in a radio interview with local broadcaster MBC after DP leader Lee Jae-myung asked President Yoon Suk Yeol last Monday to accept his election pledge for the cash handouts as a way to help restore the people's livelihoods. The first-ever talks between Yoon and Lee took place after the ruling People Power Party's crushing defeat in the April 10 parliamentary elections, when the DP-led opposition won 192 seats in the 300-member parliament. Meanwhile, Park also reaffirmed the party's stance to resubmit eight bills that President Yoon Suk Yeol has vetoed, including two special investigation bills -- one of which calls for looking into stock manipulation allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. Park, who is seen as b eing closely aligned with Lee, was elected as the DP's new floor leader Friday. The new National Assembly session will begin May 30. Source: Yonhap News Agency