Lee Jae-myung: "Supplementary Budget Is Key for Economic Recovery... Let's Reach a Consensus"

National Policy Council Held at Sarangjae in the National Assembly on February 20
Lee: "Ruling and Opposition Parties Must Respond Jointly to International Trade... Proposes Special Committee"
On Semiconductor Act Disagreements, "A Flexible Attitude Is Needed"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated at the National Policy Council, "A supplementary budget is one of the important options we can choose right now," and added, "I hope we can reach a consensus."

Yonhap News Agency

On February 20, at the National Policy Council held at Sarangjae in the National Assembly in Yeouido, Lee said, "The economy is in such a difficult state that we must at least ensure the minimum conditions for people to avoid further suffering," expressing his position as above.

He also mentioned the Special Committee on Trade, which the Democratic Party is proposing as a countermeasure to the Trump administration's tariff war. Lee said, "With the international trade environment deteriorating significantly, it seems difficult for the government to handle it alone," and emphasized, "Both the ruling and opposition parties need to join forces for a collective response." He added, "It would be good to establish a committee like the Trade Committee to discuss joint countermeasures."

Regarding the Semiconductor Special Act, which involves disagreements between the ruling and opposition parties over the exception clause for 52-hour workweeks for research and development (R&D) workers, Lee maintained his stance that the agreed-upon points should be passed first, stating, "If we can make even small progress, we must achieve it." He said, "Acting President Choi suggested that if the issue of working hour exceptions in the Semiconductor Special Act is not resolved, it might be better not to proceed, but I find it difficult to agree with that."

He continued, "What was agreed upon in the discussion with semiconductor companies was that the total number of working hours would not increase, and that all allowances for flexible working hours would be paid without exception," and added, "As far as I know, the industry has also said, 'This clause isn't really necessary, so it would be sufficient if the Ministry of Labor relaxes the approval requirements.'"

He went on to say, "If this issue continues to be problematic due to opposition from labor groups and mutual misunderstandings, that should not be a reason to withhold support policies," and emphasized, "We need a flexible attitude that provides necessary support while continuing to discuss additional necessary matters."

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