Lee Nak-yon: "Aiming to Begin COVID-19 Treatments Next Month, Vaccinations Before March"

Press Conference: "We Will Do Our Best to Expedite Treatments and Vaccinations"
"Efforts to Fulfill Unfinished Tasks Such as the Serious Accidents Corporate Punishment Act and the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporters Kim Hyemin and Jeon Jinyoung] On December 13, Lee Nak-yon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, stating, "We are working to begin administering treatments before late January next year and to start vaccinations before March."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that afternoon, Lee said, "We will do our utmost to expedite the use of treatments and the rollout of vaccines, while ensuring their effectiveness and safety."

He added, "At the same time, I will encourage the swift distribution of 3 trillion won in tailored disaster relief funds for those suffering the most, starting early next year. In the first half of next year, we will execute 72.4% of the budget early to support people's livelihoods and the economy. The party and the government will also hold regular fiscal management meetings to oversee budget execution."

Lee also highlighted the significance of the bills passed during this regular session of the National Assembly.

He stated, "This regular session and the subsequent extraordinary session have achieved the largest and most substantial reforms since democratization in 1987. Once the amendment to the National Intelligence Service Act is passed, we will complete the three major institutional reform bills, including the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials Act and the Police Act." He went on to say, "With the launch of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials after 24 years of public debate, we expect it to set a clean example in the public sector, prevent abuse of power and human rights violations through mutual checks and balances among power institutions, and break the cycle of corruption and collusion."

Lee further noted, "The three fair economy bills are also a meaningful legislative achievement. They will enhance the health of our economic ecosystem and strengthen the competitiveness of Korean companies." He also mentioned the revision of labor laws to align with International Labour Organization (ILO) fundamental conventions, as well as laws related to uncovering the truth behind the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and the Sewol Ferry disaster, describing each as "historic progress that resolves long-standing issues."

He continued, "We will also work to fulfill the unfinished policy tasks of the Moon administration. We will provide legislative and policy support for projects that have seen insufficient progress, such as job creation, expanding public rental housing for newlyweds and young people, and balanced regional development. We will also promptly finalize important legislative tasks, including the Serious Accidents Corporate Punishment Act, the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, the Act on the Development of the Living Logistics Service Industry, the Special Act on the Jeju 4·3 Incident, and the Special Act on the New Gadeokdo Airport."

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