Seoul – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged bipartisan cooperation on Thursday to get the upcoming budget plan approved before the legal deadline, stressing how crucial it is for boosting the domestic economy. He made the appeal during a meeting with senior aides, at a time when the National Assembly is wrapping up its review of the 2026 allocations, which amount to 728 trillion won (about USD 498 billion) – an 8.1 % increase over this year, Yonhap reported. Although the budget must be passed by December 2, lawmakers have regularly missed this cut‑off in the past due to partisan disputes.
“Because the country needs a timely boost in its economic recovery and in support of our major leap forward next year, it’s vital that the budget be approved on time,” Lee said. “I call for bipartisan cooperation so that the budget can be passed within the legal deadline.”
Lee also pushed for a flexible stance in the budget talks, arguing that the administration should consider reasonable and necessary proposals from the opposition. “If the opposition’s arguments have substantial merit, it would be wise to accept them decisively, provided they do not raise serious problems,” he added.
In his first briefing with aides since returning from a four‑nation trip to the Middle East and Africa, Lee highlighted the need for cross‑party backing as he pursues his “pragmatic” diplomacy amid changing global dynamics and rising protectionism. “Many heads of state expressed keen interest in the defence industry, including new weapons systems and expanded cooperation with the Republic of Korea,” he noted. “Strengthening national power – encompassing economic strength, overall military capability, and the defence sector – is essential.”
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