Main opposition Democratic United Party chairman Lee Hae-chan on Tuesday proposed talks with President Lee Myung-bak and the ruling Saenuri Party to discuss ways to prop up the economy.

“The president, I and the Saenuri Party’s chairman Hwang Woo-yea should come together and talk (to improve the livelihoods of the people),” Lee said in a radio speech.

“I will cooperate fully regardless of party affiliation if it is for reviving the economy.”

Explaining that the household debt of South Korea has reached 81 percent of gross domestic product, Lee said a consultative body on the economy encompassing the ruling and opposition parties and the government should be established.

In the speech, Lee also took time to criticize the president by saying, “The four years of the Lee Myung-bak administration is four years of economy breakdown and four years of a country ruined.”

By Lee Joo-hee (jhl@heraldcorp.com)