Hwang Kyo-an: "Criticism of Government Supplementary Budget Bill is Different from 40 Trillion Won National Bond Issuance"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, is attending the Central Election Countermeasures Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Amid proposals within the United Future Party to issue 40 trillion won in national bonds to respond to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), United Future Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn clarified that his criticism of the government and ruling party's supplementary budget as cash handouts is an entirely different matter.

On the 23rd, immediately after the Central Election Committee meeting, Leader Hwang told reporters, "Saying 'let's not engage in populism by recklessly spending the nation's money' and proposing to gather citizens' bonds to create a fund-like mechanism to help those in difficulty during a crisis are completely different concepts," explaining his stance.

On the same day, Shin Se-don, co-chairman of the election committee, appeared on YTN radio and proposed issuing 40 trillion won worth of national bonds to overcome COVID-19. This was in response to Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressing interest and requesting clarification on the United Future Party's position, which had criticized the government's supplementary budget as "cash handouts for the general election."

The Future Korea Party is set to finalize its proportional representation candidate list that day. Subsequently, about ten lawmakers from the United Future Party are expected to transfer their party affiliation. Leader Hwang said, "If it is after today, I suppose so," adding, "It is difficult to specify the exact scope." Regarding whether former Independence Hall director Yoon Joo-kyung will receive the number one spot on the proportional representation list, he refrained from commenting, saying, "Let's wait for the Future Korea Party's announcement."

On the same day, the election committee urged efforts to investigate the reality of the Lime Fund case. Leader Hwang stated, "Our party will also form a task force (TF) to thoroughly investigate the Lime case and prepare to disclose everything to the public."

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