Kim Jong-un: "serious incident" in the fight against Covid

The North Korean leader accused officials of ignoring the decisions of the Workers' Party in fighting the coronavirus. Yesterday the leadership discussed organizational issues related to the Politburo.

Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A "grave incident" has occurred in North Korea that could have undermined the safety of the population and the country's efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said yesterday during a Politburo meeting.

According to reports from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim has accused the senior officials of the Workers' Party of neglecting their duties in the fight against the coronavirus, putting the country in danger.

The KCNA did not specify what the "serious accident" was. Since the outbreak of the global health crisis, North Korea claims it has not recorded any cases of Covid-19. However, Pyongyang has imposed strict border controls and anti-contagion measures.

Underlining the chronic irresponsibility of the regime's cadres, Kim then called for "a more aggressive campaign by the whole Party" against "ideological flaws and all kinds of negative elements" that could emerge among officials.

Yesterday, the North Korean leadership also discussed "an organizational issue" regarding the election of new members of the Politburo and a secretary of the Party's Central Committee. No details were provided on the newly elected.

An official from the Seoul Unification Ministry says North Korea appears to continue to use Politburo meetings to review efforts to fight the virus. Last year, Pyongyang held 12 such sessions to address the health emergency.