South Korea's ruling party and government are considering about 2 trillion won in state financial support for essential fire service investment, according to 연합뉴스TV. The two sides also discussed ways to ease the financial burden on local governments, the broadcaster reported on Sunday.
The funding was described in the reporting as covering urgent and essential fire service needs. Yonhap News TV's headline put the figure at 2 trillion won in government support, with a review of local cost-sharing under consideration.
Additional outlets carried related details. KBS News reported that the party and government discussed using surplus tax revenue to expand funding for local governments. 머니투데이 reported that the fire service support would draw on the Future Response Fund and tobacco tax, among other sources, and put the figure at 2 trillion won "plus alpha."
The main opposition party criticized the plan. 연합뉴스 reported that the People Power Party called the move to channel fire service support through the Future Response Fund an attempt to distract from controversial remarks by Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. The report did not specify what the remarks were.
The reporting available does not detail how the money would be allocated, which local governments would benefit, or when a final decision is expected. Watch for an official announcement confirming the funding size and the specific revenue sources.