Lee Hae-chan: "6-7 Active Lawmakers Dispatched to The Citizens Party... Won't Allow Moon Seok-gyun's Reinstatement"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that 6 to 7 incumbent lawmakers will be dispatched to the Deobureo Citizen Party. Regarding the formulation of the 2nd supplementary budget bill, he mentioned that unlike before, it will be a measure for 'direct income stimulation.' He also reaffirmed the existing position that reinstatement is impossible for Moon Seok-gyun, the son of National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, who ran as an independent candidate in Uijeongbu Gap.

On the morning of the 23rd, Lee appeared on TBS Radio and said, "There will be 6 to 7 incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers who will move to the Deobureo Citizen Party," adding, "They will change their party affiliation by Wednesday (the 25th)."

Regarding the initial speculation that about 10 lawmakers would move to the Deobureo Citizen Party, he said, "How can we send someone who says they don't want to go?" and added, "We don't strictly consider the order (of being first on the proportional representation ballot). It's enough to be in the front ranks."

Lee said, "This afternoon, we will announce the proportional representation candidates who will go to the Deobureo Citizen Party." The Deobureo Citizen Party is conducting the 3rd round of candidate recruitment by noon on the same day, following the 1st and 2nd nomination committee meetings. After the 3rd nomination committee meeting concludes, the proportional representation list will be announced. When asked if the Democratic Party of Korea can assist the Deobureo Citizen Party's election campaign, he said, "Election campaigning between parties is not allowed," but added, "(Each lawmaker) can support the candidates who are there."

Regarding the possibility of a merger with the Open Democratic Party and others, he said, "At least a minimum alliance should be made." When asked if they are not considering a merger even if they do not become the first party, he said, "Even if we don't have the most seats, we can form an alliance before organizing the National Assembly."

When asked about the goal of winning 130 seats in this general election, he replied, "Generally, we aim for about that number." Regarding the government's response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which has emerged as a major variable in the general election, he said, "We are doing our best," and added, "I think we need to make much more effort to revive the economy."

Regarding the 2nd supplementary budget bill, which is rumored to possibly include disaster basic income, he said, "So far, the supplementary budgets have supported the supply side, but (the 2nd supplementary budget) is being discussed with the government to stimulate demand."

He reiterated the position that reinstatement is impossible for candidates who do not accept the party's nomination. When asked if Moon Seok-gyun will not be allowed to rejoin the Democratic Party even if he is elected, he replied, "It is not allowed." When asked if the same applies to those who lost in proportional representation or nomination and ran for other parties, he said, "It's all the same."

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