Lee Hae-chan: "If the supplementary budget is delayed, we must even invoke the 'Emergency Financial Command Authority'"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the high-level meeting on COVID-19 held at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 25th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 25th regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), "If the supplementary budget bill's passage in the National Assembly is delayed, we must respond by even invoking the 'Emergency Financial Command Authority.'"

At the party-government-office meeting held at the party headquarters on the 25th, Lee said, "We should utilize the contingency funds to the maximum extent and proactively prepare the supplementary budget."

The president's invocation of the Emergency Financial Command Authority had previously been mentioned by some ruling party members, including Representative Min Byung-doo. According to our Constitution, the president may issue orders with the effect of law or take minimal financial and economic measures in cases of internal or external disturbances, natural disasters, or serious financial or economic crises when urgent action is necessary and there is no time to wait for the National Assembly to convene.

Lee said, "The National Assembly has canceled all interpellations to the government, and due to the infection issue, the National Assembly is in such a state that the supplementary budget will not easily pass as we want. I ask the government to prepare thorough countermeasures."

Regarding the government's mask supply measures, Lee said, "Extraordinary measures are necessary," and urged, "Please take the stance of directing all domestic production for domestic consumption and completely eliminate illegal activities such as hoarding and stockpiling."

He continued, "At first, masks do not seem likely to be supplied through normal distribution channels," and requested, "I ask for extraordinary measures through administrative organizations so that citizens can easily obtain masks free of charge."

Regarding the closure of kindergartens and other childcare facilities and the postponement of elementary school openings, Lee emphasized, "Since many couples both work, childcare services must be operated to the maximum extent," and stressed, "Among all dual-income couples with children in elementary school or younger, one parent should be able to work from home or take unpaid leave through bold administrative guidance and financial support measures."