Kim Jong-in Resumes Facebook After 1 Year 3 Months: "Government Still Hesitates on 4th Supplementary Budget"

A part of Kim Jong-in Emergency Response Committee Chairman's Facebook.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, resumed his Facebook activity after about 1 year and 3 months, demanding the government to prepare the '4th supplementary budget (추경)' and pursue cooperation.

On the night of the 1st, Kim posted on Facebook, saying, "The path was opened to quickly prepare the 4th supplementary budget, but for some reason, the government is still hesitating," revealing this stance.

This is Kim's first Facebook post in about 1 year and 3 months. He had not posted on Facebook since his last post on June 15, 2019.

He said, "Due to COVID-19, we are experiencing the greatest public health crisis since the founding of the nation," adding, "As of September 1, there are about 20,000 confirmed cases and about 300 deaths. Considering the global fatality rate is 3.3%, we are doing relatively well at about half that rate."

Kim pointed out, "The problem is that the economy has come to a halt because of this," and "Especially the damage to self-employed and small business owners is indescribable, and the number of people losing jobs is increasing rapidly."

He emphasized, "Now is not the time to assign blame to anyone," and "This is precisely the time when diverse policy management capabilities are urgently needed."

In particular, he stressed the need to solve problems through fiscal power, saying, "Perhaps this is the first opportunity in our history to seek solutions through bold fiscal policies, but it is regrettable that there seems to be no one within the current government with such experience, confidence, and judgment."

Urging the 4th supplementary budget, Kim said, "I have repeatedly urged that disaster relief funds given as a one-time payment cannot solve the problem and that fundamental measures must be prepared, but the government is still hesitating," adding, "I do not know whether they are hesitating knowingly or nervously because they do not know."

He also called for cooperation with the opposition party. Kim said, "The government should not just boast about achievements, nor try to use the situation for political purposes, but focus solely on overcoming this crisis," and "If the government's attitude toward the opposition changes, the opposition will also cooperate where possible."

He mentioned the 'Seven Proposals for Reform' (시무 7조), a petition in the form of a memorial to the throne. Kim said, "I believe the frustration that the people feel now is also due to this hesitation," and "The government should reassure the people, but the people are worried about the government. That is why the petition in the form of a memorial is gaining great resonance."

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