Overview
- Kim, in a speech to North Korea’s parliament on Monday, labeled South Korea the most hostile state, warned of merciless retaliation for any provocation, and said the country’s nuclear status is irreversible.
- Lawmakers adopted constitutional amendments, endorsed a new five-year economic plan, and approved a 2026 budget that lifts defense to 15.8% of spending, with a reported 5.8% overall increase and funds tied to expanding nuclear deterrence.
- A sweeping reshuffle elevated close aide Jo Yong-won to chair the Supreme People’s Assembly Standing Committee and serve as vice chief of the State Affairs Commission, while Kim Yo-jong was removed from that commission.
- The assembly also reappointed Kim as president of the State Affairs Commission for a third term, and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulations and pledged to deepen the Moscow–Pyongyang partnership.
- State media said the constitution was revised but did not release the text, a common practice for the rubber-stamp legislature that also reported 687 deputies elected with 99.93% approval and 99.99% turnout, leaving analysts to note likely codification of a break with reunification policy and a tougher posture along the border.