Hwang Kyo-ahn "Wuhan Pneumonia Situation Serious... Ready to Cooperate on Supplementary Budget"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, who is running in Jongno in the April 15 general election, is greeting merchants in the Nakwon-dong area of Jongno-gu on the morning of the 21st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, emphasized on the 21st that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), also known as "Wuhan pneumonia," is a "national crisis" and that entry of foreigners who have visited all over China should be restricted. He also expressed a proactive stance, stating that preparations have been made for the supplementary budget (additional budget) formulation.

Leader Hwang said, "The Wuhan pneumonia situation is worsening to a serious level. Especially, the people of Daegu and Gyeongbuk are suffering from extreme anxiety," adding, "Infection is spreading nationwide, and the feared community transmission has now become a reality. The severity of the situation should no longer be downplayed or ignored."

Leader Hwang stated, "The United Future Party has promised bipartisan cooperation, and that commitment remains unwavering. We will devise all measures at the National Assembly level, including budget and legislation," and added, "Whether it is contingency funds or supplementary budgets, the United Future Party is ready to cooperate in matters to protect the lives and safety of the people. We will work closely with the ruling party, focusing on Daegu and Gyeongbuk, where support is most urgently needed."

He continued, "The United Future Party will actively cooperate to overcome this critical crisis and do its best to prepare necessary countermeasures," and urged, "Once again, I call on President Moon Jae-in to immediately strengthen restrictions on the entry of foreigners who have visited all over China. There should be no more hesitation or delay."

Leader Hwang said, "The planned visit of President Xi Jinping to Korea should not become a factor that makes it difficult to implement entry bans," and added, "President Moon Jae-in must approach this situation with a more serious attitude. The public feels greater anxiety when responsibility is shifted away."

He further stated, "The political circles should not exploit even the Wuhan pneumonia crisis as a tool for political strife," and said, "Old politics such as inciting regional sentiments or nitpicking to damage opposing political forces is absolutely forbidden now. Do not exacerbate public anxiety for election campaigning purposes."

He said, "Citizens should minimize attending gatherings and events where many people gather," and added, "Overcoming the crisis quickly is the best way to save people's livelihoods and the economy. The United Future Party will also refrain from actions that cause inconvenience to citizens during the election campaign process."