Lee thanks opposition party for cooperation in passage of 2026 budget bill
President Lee Jae Myung answers a reporter's question after addressing the nation in a special speech marking the one-year anniversary of the Dec. 3 martial law crisis at the presidential office in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday expressed appreciation for the main opposition party's cooperation in passing next year's budget bill before the legal deadline, calling the bipartisan deal an unexpected move.
On Tuesday, the National Assembly approved the 727.9 trillion-won ($498 billion) budget after the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) reached a last-minute agreement to maintain the government's proposed total spending.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to the main opposition PPP for its cooperation," Lee said at the presidential office after delivering a special national address to mark the one-year anniversary of the Dec. 3 martial law imposition.
"I was really surprised to hear that the parties agreed on the budget bill. I did not expect it at all," he added.
During a press conference with foreign media following his address, Lee said he strives to engage in dialogue and compromise with the opposition but noted that it could be "frustrating" at times.
He added that Tuesday's budget agreement between the two rival parties shows there is still room for improvement in bipartisan cooperation, stressing that national unity remains one of his top priorities.