Ruling Democratic Party and opposition People Power Party lawmakers clashed over energy policy and governmental spending priorities during a National Assembly budget committee meeting on Tuesday.

Democratic lawmakers criticized the previous Yoon administration for cutting funding for renewable energy and stigmatizing the solar industry as corrupt, arguing that solar and wind projects are faster and more cost-effective than nuclear plants.

PPP members countered that major economies are expanding nuclear power and accused the government of focusing too heavily on emissions targets rather than national interests.

The opposition also questioned prosecutors’ decision not to appeal a ruling in the Daejang-dong corruption case and raised concerns about spending on consumer coupon programs, while the ruling party demanded explanations for large-scale asset sales under the previous conservative government.

Second Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Lim Ki-keun said the government would minimize electricity cost increases tied to renewable expansion and pledged to review potential irregularities in state asset transactions.

The debate underscored partisan divisions over fiscal, industrial and climate-related priorities ahead of next year’s budget approval.