South Korea's rival political parties have responded to President Moon's speech.
Divided as usual,... it's going to a tough month as they start deliberations on the budget.
Our National Assembly correspondent Kim Min-ji has the details.
The ruling Democratic Party welcomed the president's budget speech saying the 2020 spending plan will breathe life into the economy and improve people's livelihoods.
It said the budget has been allocated appropriately to address security, welfare and innovation.
The party also vowed legislative efforts in order to maximize the impact of the budget.
"Data shows that the job market is improving and the tasks that lie ahead include maintaining and strengthening growth and creating better jobs. This is something rival parties need to work together on."
The main opposition Liberty Korea Party criticized the speech, saying it was full of self-praise,... and claimed it only proves the administration is blind to the dire economic and security situation facing the nation.
It said the expansionary budget is only a short-term remedy,... and the government needs to overhaul its policies if it wants to revive the economy.
On reforming the prosecution,... the party said the president should leave it to the rival parties to reach a deal and refrain from pressuring the assembly.
"It was a speech that reaffirmed the stubbornness of the administration,... and was probably full of despair for the people. The government says the budget is for innovation, inclusive growth and peace but it's just full of unfairness and old orders."
Rival parties will start deliberations over the budget plan... and have until December 2nd to approve it.
The ruling party is expected to put in full efforts to secure the budget as it is,... to support President Moon through his third year in office.
But main opposition has vowed to closely scrutinize the bill to make sure taxpayers' money is not wasted,... especially in the portions allocated for job creation and inter-Korean projects claiming that the government is trying to win over voters ahead of next year's general elections.
Eyes will be on whether the bill will be passed by the December deadline but what's for sure is that a fierce tug of war will soon be underway... with parties already at odds over a set of reform bills. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.
