Government questioning from the 2nd... Decision not to summon PM Jeong for 'COVID-19' response

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] As the National Assembly's interpellation sessions begin on the 2nd, the ruling and opposition parties have agreed not to request the attendance of Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who is leading the response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

Sim Jae-cheol, floor leader of the United Future Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly on the 1st and stated, "Although we wanted to question the Prime Minister about the government's failure, we will concede so that he can properly lead the response on-site in Daegu."

He added, "The urgent matter is to calm the COVID-19 situation in Daegu first," and said, "The Daegu city officials expressed concerns that if the Prime Minister leaves his post, the response to the situation might not be effective."

Accordingly, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to attend the interpellation sessions starting on the 2nd instead of the Prime Minister. The sessions are likely to focus on the government's response to the COVID-19 crisis and the supplementary budget. The ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasizes the prompt preparation of the supplementary budget, while the United Future Party plans to point out the government's initial response failures.

The interpellation sessions will begin with topics on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security, and continue until the 4th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.