[President-Political Parties Dialogue] Joint Statement "Bold and Swift Extraordinary Measures Including Supplementary Budget"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] President Moon Jae-in and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties issued a joint agreement through dialogue on the 28th.

First, they shared the recognition that the COVID-19 situation is severe, and the National Assembly and the government will work across party lines to mobilize national capabilities for an all-out response. They also agreed that the National Assembly's 'COVID-19 Countermeasures Special Committee' and the government will actively cooperate, and that bold and swift extraordinary measures, including the preparation of a supplementary budget (Chugyeong), are necessary to prevent the spread, support victims, and restore economic vitality.

They agreed to strive for the supplementary budget to directly support infectious disease response and livelihood damage. President Moon and the party leaders stated, "We express our gratitude to the healthcare workers who are devoted on the front lines of COVID-19 prevention, and we will focus support on medical personnel, treatment beds, facilities, and equipment. Additionally, we will prepare measures to strengthen the healthcare system for responding to new infectious diseases."