Lee Jae-myung: "It's Fine for People Power Party to Take Lead in State Affairs Council... Economic Discussions Can Be Limited"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the People Power Party, which refused to participate in the National Stability Council, to at least discuss economic issues.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 16th, through the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee said, "The political situation in the Republic of Korea is unstable, and political instability is causing serious damage to the economy and people’s livelihoods," adding, "In stabilizing the government and restoring people’s livelihoods, there is no 'my side' or 'your side'." He continued, "The National Stability Council is essential, as even Acting President Han Duck-soo agrees," and emphasized, "It is fine if the People Power Party takes the lead in all discussions, but I earnestly ask for their participation. The name, format, or content does not matter."

Lee said, "If a council covering the entire government is burdensome, I request the formation of a council limited to the economic and livelihood sectors," adding, "I understand that the internal situation of the People Power Party is difficult and their political stance is complicated, but the reason for the existence of political parties and politics is ultimately national stability and a better life for the people."

Lee proposed the formation of a National Stability Council involving the National Assembly and the government at a press conference the previous day. He also called for an active and proactive role from the government and urged the financial and foreign exchange authorities to operate a 24-hour monitoring system. Lee said, "The real tasks are government stability and recovery of people’s livelihoods," and added, "To solve the problem of consumption stagnation caused by the reduction of the government’s fiscal role, it is necessary to promptly discuss a supplementary budget (Chugyeong)."

The People Power Party rejected Lee’s proposal. Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, told reporters at the National Assembly the previous day, "The People Power Party is still the ruling party to which the president belongs, and the acting president was appointed according to constitutional provisions," adding, "We intend to continue responsible politics as the ruling party through party-government consultations, as we have done so far." He also pointed out, "It is neither right nor appropriate to act as if the Democratic Party became the ruling party after the impeachment motion or as if it became responsible for government administration."