[President-Political Dialogue] Cheong "Supplementary Budget by March 17, Last Day of Extraordinary National Assembly" (Comprehensive)

On Responsibility for COVID-19: "Let's Review After the Situation Ends"... On Mask Issues: "We Apologize to the People"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] A senior Blue House official said on the 28th regarding the dialogue between President Moon Jae-in and the leaders of the four ruling and opposition parties held at Sarangjae in the National Assembly, "Since the supplementary budget must naturally receive the cooperation of the National Assembly, we requested cooperation," adding, "There were various discussions about doing it quickly. March 17 will probably be the last day of the extraordinary session, and it seems they will be busy aiming to complete it before then."

However, the senior Blue House official said, "It is difficult to specify the exact scale at this stage, such as whether it is several trillion won or 10 trillion won," adding, "The budget authorities will prepare the details." The Blue House evaluated the dialogue with the party leaders that day as a meaningful occasion.

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok said, "Today's dialogue between the President and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties to overcome the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was a communication occasion pledging bipartisan cooperation." Spokesperson Kang added, "The President listened to the demands of the opposition party leaders and explained what needed to be explained."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the demand for a complete ban on Chinese nationals' entry pointed out by Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Future United Party, President Moon said, "Since you continue to demand a complete ban on Chinese nationals' entry, I will respond," explaining, "First, a complete entry ban is being implemented for Hubei Province in China."

Spokesperson Kang said, "(President Moon) emphasized that special entry procedures have been established since February 4 for regions other than Hubei Province, special quarantine is being conducted, and thorough management of Chinese entrants is being carried out."

In particular, Spokesperson Kang emphasized that President Moon clearly stated, "The number of Chinese entrants has significantly decreased from about 20,000 per day to the 1,000 range, so at this point, it is not considered effective or urgent."

Regarding the opposition party's criticism of responsibility for COVID-19 response, President Moon said, "Let's review the situation after it is over," according to Spokesperson Kang.

A senior Blue House official explained, "As it was defined as an emergency economic situation in the past, there are too many issues to resolve both economically and in terms of quarantine," adding, "The President said that first, we should win the war against COVID-19 and then review each issue one by one. There is no need to judge right or wrong at this time."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, regarding the mask supply issue, President Moon reportedly said, "He apologizes to the people," and Spokesperson Kang said the President stated, "'Several measures have been put in place, so we expect effects from today through the next couple of days. Please trust the government,' and added that if the problem is not resolved, extraordinary measures will be considered."

A senior Blue House official explained, "Since the first batch of 5 million masks is scheduled to be supplied, they should be properly distributed," adding, "For example, they will be distributed to pharmacies and post offices. Masks produced will continue to be supplied to places where the public can easily purchase them. The public sector plans to purchase about 50% and manage the supply."