Lee In-young "Urgent Supplementary Budget... Request to Postpone School Opening"

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea has demanded that the government prepare a supplementary budget to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at a press briefing held at the National Assembly on the 23rd, "Tomorrow, we will form a special committee on COVID-19 measures at the National Assembly level and begin preparing urgent support measures," adding, "The government must urgently submit the supplementary budget, and the National Assembly should be able to review it."

He continued, "The proposal was made by Representative Yu Seong-yeop of the Democratic Integrated Party members' group, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, has also expressed willingness to cooperate, so we judge that both ruling and opposition parties share the intention regarding the supplementary budget," emphasizing, "The Democratic Party promises to start reviewing the supplementary budget immediately upon government submission."

Floor leader Lee said, "This COVID-19 situation is far surpassing the 2003 SARS outbreak," and added, "From an economic perspective, the biggest threat to our economy is the downward pressure on the economy caused by COVID-19."

He stated, "The Democratic Party believes that preparing a supplementary budget beyond the reserve fund is necessary. Timing is crucial for policies and budgets," and urged, "Please promptly execute the 3.4 trillion won reserve fund and simultaneously prepare the supplementary budget to submit it to the National Assembly as soon as possible. We hope the framework for the supplementary budget will be presented in the comprehensive COVID-19 economic measures scheduled for late next week."

He also said, "Thorough measures must be prepared for schools at all levels ahead of reopening," and announced, "We request the education authorities to consider postponing the reopening of kindergartens and elementary schools."

Furthermore, he said, "We strongly demand again that the Shincheonji group comply with the quarantine authorities' instructions and make a special decision to dispel public concerns," and urged, "Despite the government's strong request yesterday, a large-scale downtown rally was held in Gwanghwamun. We strongly and repeatedly request the organizers, including Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, to refrain from holding rallies."