[President-Political Dialogue] Lee Hae-chan "Ruling and Opposition Parties Must Quickly Pass 'COVID-19 Supplementary Budget'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized on the 28th that "the ruling and opposition parties must work together to promptly pass the supplementary budget bill (추경) to support the budget for overcoming the disaster" in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Lee said at a meeting with President Moon Jae-in and leaders of the four ruling and opposition parties held at the National Assembly in the afternoon, "There is nothing more important than the safety of the people and the recovery of their livelihoods."

He stressed, "When national difficulties arise, the ruling and opposition parties have always cooperated in a bipartisan manner," adding, "During the 2015 MERS outbreak, the ruling and opposition parties jointly prepared the supplementary budget, which provided significant support."

Lee predicted, "As of the day before yesterday, more than 50,000 people have undergone diagnostic tests, showing that the government is actively conducting proactive quarantine measures to find patients," and "The dedicated efforts of the government and the people will yield results, and the key to overcoming COVID-19 will be secured soon."

Regarding the meeting with President Moon and the leaders of the four parties, he said, "I sincerely hope this will be an occasion to show cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, achieve practical results, and give the people hope and confidence in overcoming COVID-19."

Meanwhile, President Moon and the leaders of the four ruling and opposition parties agreed to continue an active cooperation system, including the preparation of a supplementary budget, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, support victims, and restore economic vitality.