The Democratic Party launched a strong attack on Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on August 7, criticizing his ongoing opposition to the government's real estate tax reform plan. The party also announced the activation of a task force to develop comprehensive housing policies.
Han Byeong-do, the party's acting leader and floor leader, stated during a National Assembly meeting, "Mayor Oh is the one who incited market confusion with the deregulation and re-designation of land use zones in February. Now he is raising his voice against the government."
Policy chief Han Jeong-ae pointed out that at a real estate forum hosted by Mayor Oh on August 6, the criticisms focused on the government's tax reform plan, claiming it would lead to instability in the rental market and a decrease in supply. She referred to these criticisms as akin to a "21st-century Goryeo burial" and aimed at those suffering from economic hardship.
She added, "The current housing supply crisis in Seoul is a result of Mayor Oh's actions," noting that the number of apartment and villa construction starts in the city has dropped by one-third since 2023.
Han Jeong-ae also expressed concerns that Mayor Oh's statements suggest ongoing discrepancies with the government regarding the supply of idle land, green belts, and parks in the city.
Floor spokesperson Jeon Soo-mi also criticized Mayor Oh, stating, "The cause of the housing supply crisis in Seoul is Mayor Oh. He should stop the false narrative about supply and cooperate for real supply."
She emphasized, "Mayor Oh is not a promoter of supply but rather a suppressor of it, blocking even the government's efforts to provide housing that he himself has failed to deliver."
Meanwhile, Jeon Soo-mi held a briefing at the National Assembly, stating, "This tax reform plan aims to gradually normalize taxation on high-value properties and non-residential multi-homeowners, establishing fairness and equity in taxation. The Democratic Party will closely communicate with the Lee Jae-myung administration to develop a comprehensive housing policy that encompasses taxation, finance, and supply through the party's 'Housing Market Stabilization Task Force.'"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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