Overview
- The first session of the newly elected Supreme People’s Assembly approved constitutional amendments that rename the national charter, adopted an ordinance to execute a new five-year economic plan, and passed the 2026 state budget after recognizing the 2025 plan as fulfilled.
- Kim Jong Un delivered a policy speech at the gathering, and state media said deputies voiced unanimous support with prolonged applause.
- South Korea’s unification ministry said recent personnel moves signal a stronger role for the legislature, pointing to Jo Yong-won holding both the SPA chair and the standing committee chair and to the new first vice premier post filled by Kim Tok-hun.
- KCNA said the 2026 budget concentrates investment on defense and on living standards, and the plan designates the Cabinet as the economy’s control tower to run implementation.
- The 15th assembly includes 687 elected deputies, with 676 present, including 108 women and members from industry, agriculture, party bodies and the armed forces.