Democrats Consider 'Nationwide Flu Vaccination'... Part of 4th Supplementary Budget Negotiations

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to consider the ruling People Power Party's demand for 'free nationwide flu vaccinations.'

According to political circles on the 15th, the ruling and opposition parties are negotiating the passage of the 4th supplementary budget bill by jointly promoting 'a 20,000 KRW nationwide communication fee payment' and free nationwide flu vaccinations.

Regarding this, a Democratic Party lawmaker said, "It is about keeping the possibility of negotiation open." A Democratic Party member of the Welfare Committee said, "It has not been completely decided yet." The Democratic Party intends to pass the supplementary budget bill with the previous contents such as communication fee payments at the plenary session on the 18th, but opposition parties including the People Power Party have argued for nationwide vaccine inoculation, claiming that the communication fee support is ineffective.

However, even if negotiations are reached, considering the existing vaccine stockpiles, there is an analysis that the feasibility should be carefully examined. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed reluctance during a government question session at the National Assembly the previous day, stating, "The usual free vaccination target is 13 million people, but this year, through the supplementary budget, an additional 6 million doses have been secured to provide free vaccinations to 19 million people. (Including paid vaccinations) 29 million doses of flu vaccines are prepared," but added, "It seems reasonable, but it is not a realistic idea." People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young also appeared on CBS Radio the previous day and said, "There are 22 million doses, and vaccines can also be purchased from abroad."

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