The People Power Party urged the government to stabilize domestic prices and alleviate economic uncertainties regarding the Iranian Parliament's decision to block the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by the United States' airstrikes in Iran. Regarding President Lee Jae-myung's decision to skip the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, the government is set to receive a report on current issues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The People Power Party received a report on current issues from the government and discussed response measures related to the Middle East situation at the National Assembly on the morning of the 23rd. Attendees from the People Power Party included members of the leadership, commissioners from the Strategy and Finance Committee and the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, while representatives from the government included Acting Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance Lee Hyung-il and Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Choi Nam-ho.
Choi Su-jin, a spokesperson for the People Power Party, met with reporters after the briefing and said, "(The Middle East situation) is expected to impact crude oil exports to our country," adding, "If it continues for a long time, it could also affect prices, so the government should be thoroughly prepared 24 hours a day and accurately assess the situation, ensuring there is no impact on the economic situation, which requires special attention from the government."
She emphasized, "Currently, oil prices have risen by about 3%, and the impact on stock prices is about 1%. We need to consider whether it will be prolonged or if it will end shortly in regard to its impact on prices or the economy. The government needs to conduct more thorough inspections."
The People Power Party pointed out that, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the government must participate in NATO to show its resolve to find solutions with allied nations. The People Power Party is expected to receive a report on current issues concerning the Middle East situation from relevant departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later in the afternoon.
Park Sung-hoon, a spokesperson for the same party, stated, "What is important is how to resolve the uncertainty caused by the Middle East situation," noting that at this point, it is an issue more critical than ever for allied nations, and that it would have been better to discuss intentions with allies comprehensively at the NATO summit.