North Korea’s rulers: Kim calls economic situation “grim”

In a speech to mark the party’s anniversary, North Korea’s ruler Kim speaks of a “grim economic situation” in the country. He also appealed to his civil servants to improve living conditions for the population.

North Korea’s ruler, Kim Jong Un, has publicly addressed the precarious economic situation in his country more clearly than seldom before. In a speech on the 76th anniversary of the ruling Labor Party, he called on his state officials to focus on improving the living conditions and the food situation of the population in the face of a “grim situation”.

“The only way to dynamically advance this unprecedented, crucial work, despite the dire situation, is to unite the entire party,” said Kim. “Public servants should not seek privileges or preferential treatment and should always consider“ whether their work harms the interests of the people or causes difficulties for the people. ”Kim says the country also faces major tasks in developing the state economy and achieving its set economic goals .

Economy under pressure for years

As the state news agency KCNA reports, the holiday in North Korea’s capital Pyongyang was celebrated with several art performances and fireworks. A military parade is said not to have been held.

International sanctions imposed on North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs have been putting the economy of the country, which is practically completely isolated from the outside world, under pressure for years. Added to this are the consequences of severe storms and floods.

Last EU diplomatic mission closed

A report by a United Nations employee said that the weakest part of the population is at risk of hunger after the country had sealed itself off even more during the corona pandemic. The worsening humanitarian situation can turn into a crisis, according to the UN.

At the weekend, two Romanian embassy employees are said to have left North Korea, as reported by the specialist medium NK News. This closed the last diplomatic mission of a country of the European Union in North Korea.