Hong Nam-ki "Government Proposal (14 Trillion Won) Must Be Respected by the National Assembly"
Lee Jae-myung "Deputy Prime Minister Overstepping Authority... Must Follow Elected Power's Command"
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, held an "Our Neighborhood Pledge" unboxing day on the 4th at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, introducing pledges from 226 local governments and speaking about the purpose of the event. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, criticized Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, on the 4th for stating that it would be difficult to agree to an increase in the supplementary budget (추경) of 14 trillion won submitted to the National Assembly even if the ruling and opposition parties agree, calling it "a serious remark that warrants accountability."
On the same day, after announcing the 'Our Neighborhood Pledge' at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee told reporters, "Deputy Prime Minister Hong seems to be overstepping his authority."
At the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee held to review the supplementary budget bill, Hong Nam-ki responded to Democratic Party lawmaker Woo Won-shik's question, "If the ruling and opposition parties agree, would you be able to follow the demand for an increase?" by saying, "I will not easily agree," and added, "I think the government's judgment should be considered rather than being bound by the ruling and opposition parties' agreement."
In response, Lee said, "It is normal for the appointing authority to be under the command of the elected authority representing the people," and pointed out, "It is very inappropriate in a representative democracy system for the head of a single government ministry to assert that they will not accept it even if the ruling and opposition parties agree."
Meanwhile, Lee apologized once again on the 4th regarding various controversies, including excessive protocol related to his wife, Kim Hye-kyung.
When asked about the allegations of proxy prescription involving Kim, Lee bowed his head and said, "It is all my fault." He said, "I am ashamed. There have been cases where public officials managing my official residence were harmed, and I apologize once again to the people for the controversies. I should have been more meticulous and vigilant, but I was lacking."
He continued, "I will take full responsibility according to the investigation and audit results of the relevant agencies," and stated, "I will take necessary measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents and manage strictly." Lee stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "I apologize once again."
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