Presidential office voices concern over escalating parliament-business tensions

SEOUL, June 29 (Yonhap) -- The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae voiced concern Wednesday as tensions escalated between parliament and businesses after major business lobbies criticized political parties for seeking populist policies ahead of next year's major elections.
Both the ruling and opposition parties have bristled at the criticism, accusing conglomerates of neglecting their social obligations, threatening to summon business representatives for public hearings and suggesting that tougher business regulations will be introduced.
"The business and political communities are two important pillars propping up the society. It is not desirable for them to clash at a time when the international and domestic economic situations are difficult," a senior presidential official said on the condition of anonymity.
The official said the presidential office is monitoring the situation with concern.
"We hope that the two sides will talk to each other and exchange views to ensure that this row won't escalate and hurt the economy," the official said.
The official, however, denied a media report that the presidential office asked the ruling Grand National Party to refrain from criticizing the business community.
The row began last week when Huh Chang-soo, chairman of the leading business lobby Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), publicly denounced the parliament's moves to withdraw tax cuts for conglomerates and lower college tuition fees, calling the moves populist policies.
jschang@yna.co.kr