Lee In-young "Kim Jong-in's '100 trillion won exclusive use' remark is irresponsible... The public will not believe it"

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee's executive meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Heo Midam] The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea criticized Kim Jong-in, the Future United Party's general election campaign committee chairman, for his remark on the '100 trillion won budget reallocation,' calling it "irresponsible."

Lee In-young, the Democratic Party floor leader, criticized on the morning of the 30th at a joint meeting of the Democratic Party Central Election Committee and the COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee held at the National Assembly, saying, "Chairman Kim's statement yesterday could sound irresponsible depending on how it is heard."

Chairman Kim held an emergency economic countermeasure meeting on COVID-19 at the National Assembly the previous day and said, "In the current situation, a significant portion of the 512 trillion won budget will remain unused anyway," and added, "The government and the National Assembly should promptly reallocate about 20% (100 trillion won) of this year's budget items to convert them into a COVID-19 emergency countermeasure budget." He further stated, "With the 100 trillion won budget, we can maintain the livelihoods of those in difficulty and support the survival of small business owners," and "Reallocating the existing budget is also within the jurisdiction of the National Assembly."

Regarding this, Floor Leader Lee pointed out, "Please tell us exactly which items will be cut?whether it is the defense budget that protects the nation, the education budget that concerns our children's future, or whether child allowances and senior basic pensions will be reduced. I am very curious." He added, "Even if they talk about 40 trillion, 100 trillion, or 1,000 trillion in such an empty manner, I believe our people will not trust it."

He continued, "I cannot confirm whether this is Kim Jong-in's personal opinion or the entire Future United Party's stance, but I hope it leads to a change in the party's attitude and position. I expect both ruling and opposition parties to put their heads together to prepare for an active fiscal role in restoring the people's economy."

At the Future United Party election committee meeting held that morning, Chairman Kim said regarding securing 100 trillion won, "It is a matter of will," and added, "If time is insufficient, the president can even proceed with an emergency financial order guaranteed by the constitution."

In response, Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party's COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee chairman, rebutted at a briefing immediately after the meeting, saying, "An emergency financial order is issued when the National Assembly cannot be convened," in response to the question, "Chairman Kim said at the party meeting that the president can issue an emergency financial order for budget adjustment."