Lee Jae Myung pushes bipartisan talks on stimulus plan during a rare meeting with opposition leaders on Sunday. The president hosted a lunch at his official residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. The gathering aimed to narrow political divisions over the government’s 30.5 trillion won supplementary budget. Lee also briefed attendees on his recent trip to Canada for the G7 summit. The lunch featured bowls of colourful noodles, the presidential office said.
During the meeting, Lee called for cooperation between rival parties. “World leaders I met at the G7 expressed great interest in South Korea’s future,” he said. “We should unite around external issues and economic challenges,” he continued. Lee stressed the need to pass the extra budget bill quickly. Lee Jae Myung pushes bipartisan talks on stimulus plan to tackle urgent economic concerns.
Attendees included Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-kee and opposition interim leader Kim Yong-tae. People Power Party whip Song Eon-seog also joined. The extra budget, to be tabled on Monday, includes a 15.2 trillion won stimulus package. It offers 13 trillion won worth of coupons for all citizens, worth at least 150,000 won each. Additionally, 5 trillion won will support small businesses and low-income groups.
The budget also features a 1.4 trillion won debt relief plan. It will clear long-overdue debts, up to 50 million won per person. The Cabinet approved the liberal government’s proposal last Thursday. During Sunday’s meeting, Kim Yong-tae voiced concerns about inflation and fiscal responsibility. Lee Jae Myung pushes bipartisan talks on stimulus plan despite opposition worries over government spending.
The Democratic Party holds enough seats to pass the bill without opposition support. Party spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung urged a vote before July 4. Lee also shared impressions from his G7 debut. Chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik had invited opposition leaders while Lee was still in Canada. The meeting contrasts with former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s slower approach to bipartisan engagement.
