Gov't proposes supplementary budget for disaster relief and economic recovery

Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok presides over a meeting at the government complex in Seoul on March 30 2025 Yonha — Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok presides over a meeting at the government complex in Seoul on March 30, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - The government on Sunday proposed a supplementary budget of at least 10 trillion won (US$6.8 billion) to shore up the struggling economy, which has been further battered by massive wildfires that have ripped through the southeastern region since last week, amid lingering political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year.

During an emergency meeting with key officials, Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok stressed the urgency of the supplementary budget to address the country's most pressing domestic issues as well as external challenges posed by U.S. President Trump's threat of tariffs.

The budget will be allocated for disaster response and relief efforts, while strengthening trade through investment in key business areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Some portions will be also spent on supporting people's livelihoods.

Choi urged bipartisan cooperation from both ruling and opposition parties to ensure the supplementary budget passes through the National Assembly within April.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

Gov't proposes supplementary budget for disaster relief and economic recovery

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