[21st General Election] Democratic Party Leadership "Heavy Sense of Responsibility"... Prioritizing Supplementary Budget and COVID-19 Response

"Crisis Response Is a Duty That Cannot Be Wasted...Urgent Economic and Job Measures Needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea, which won a landslide victory in the April 15 general election, stated that it "feels a heavy sense of responsibility" and decided to immediately begin addressing the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), including the processing of the supplementary budget for emergency disaster relief funds.

Lee Nak-yeon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee Hae-chan, Party Leader, attended the Korea Future Preparation Election Countermeasures Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th. Before the meeting began, they delivered a national greeting "to express gratitude for the victory in the general election." Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 16th, Lee Hae-chan, co-chairman of the Democratic Party's joint standing election countermeasures committee, said at the Future Preparation Election Countermeasures Committee held at the National Assembly, regarding the Democratic Party's victory, "Before the joy of winning the election, we feel a heavy sense of responsibility."

Chairman Lee said, "Now is the time for the Democratic Party to be even more alert. We must first bear the heavy responsibility of governing the country." He added, "The 21st National Assembly must be a completely different National Assembly from before, a working National Assembly, a National Assembly worthy of its name, and one that unites the people. The full responsibility to create such a National Assembly lies with the Democratic Party, and we engrave this deeply in our hearts."

Lee Nak-yeon, chairman of the COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Countermeasures Committee, shared the same view. At the Democratic Party's Future Preparation Election Countermeasures Committee held at the National Assembly that day, Chairman Lee said, "The people have given the Democratic Party and the Together Citizens' Party many seats, entrusting us with a great responsibility. We feel a fearful and heavy sense of responsibility," emphasizing, "We will recognize overcoming the national crisis of COVID-19 and economic recession as the top priority task and devote ourselves accordingly, following the solemn command of the people."

The Democratic Party decided to immediately focus on overcoming COVID-19 and resolving urgent economic issues such as processing the supplementary budget. Chairman Lee said, "Overcoming COVID-19 and responding to the economic crisis are critical duties that cannot be wasted even for a moment," emphasizing, "The National Assembly must promptly process the supplementary budget for emergency disaster relief funds promised to the people. Elections are elections, and people's livelihoods are people's livelihoods."

In addition, regarding the 6th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster that day, he said, "We pray for the souls of the Sewol victims and offer deep condolences to the bereaved families," adding, "The Democratic Party will continue to make every effort to ensure the complete investigation of the Sewol disaster and the punishment of those responsible."

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said at the meeting that day, "Very extraordinary economic measures are needed. It is time to start an all-out war for economic recovery," and stated, "From today, after the election, we will prioritize the economy and jobs and do everything we can."

Floor Leader Lee predicted that the supplementary budget would be the first measure, saying he would begin processing the supplementary budget bill. He said, "The supplementary budget bill will be submitted to the National Assembly today," and added, "I hope the floor leaders of both ruling and opposition parties can meet even today. We will closely consult and prepare so that the ruling and opposition parties can generously agree on the disaster relief payment plan." He emphasized quick processing, saying, "Since speed is of the essence, we will consider ways to make payments within April."

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