Prime Minister Jeong Presides Over First Cabinet Meeting... Emphasizes 'Economic Revitalization and National Unity'

Visit to the National Assembly, Meeting with the Speaker and Leadership of Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun is delivering an opening remark at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who held his inauguration ceremony the day before, made his first moves on the 15th by attending a Cabinet meeting followed by a visit to the National Assembly in the afternoon. At the Cabinet meeting, he emphasized economic revitalization and national unity. However, with the Liberty Korea Party effectively refusing to meet, the cooperative governance efforts emphasized by Prime Minister Chung are expected to face difficulties.

In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office, Prime Minister Chung expressed his ambition, saying, "We will devote ourselves to economic revitalization and national unity to become a government that empowers the people." He stressed, "The top priority for state administration this year, as outlined in President Moon Jae-in’s New Year’s address, is a 'definite change' in inclusion, innovation, fairness, and peace to achieve mutual growth. To support this, the Cabinet must take the lead in creating substantial changes across various sectors."

He added, "I hope each ministry will dedicate itself this year to economic revitalization and stabilizing people’s livelihoods," and urged, "Especially through bold regulatory reforms, create a business-friendly environment and accelerate innovative growth so that our country can lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution era and generate future growth engines."

He continued, "I ask each ministry to carry out 'administration of dialogue and communication' with the people on the ground," emphasizing, "Sincere communication can resolve sharp conflicts, restore trust as social capital, and achieve national unity."

Furthermore, he requested, "To produce tangible results that the public can feel, I hope each ministry will boldly change the way they work," and added, "To ensure policies are established and implemented in line with the changed environment and public expectations, Cabinet members should focus on enhancing the professionalism of public officials and spreading proactive administration."

He also urged, "Public officials should change their mindset and attitude to become more proactive and creative experts."

In the afternoon, Prime Minister Chung visited the National Assembly to pay courtesy calls on the Speaker and the leadership of each party. Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn and floor leader Shim Jae-chul did not meet with the Prime Minister due to other schedules.

At the Cabinet meeting that day, nine agenda items were deliberated and approved, including five bills for promulgation, three presidential decrees, and one general agenda item.

During his visits, Prime Minister Chung is expected to request cooperation from both ruling and opposition parties for smooth state administration. Having served as Speaker of the National Assembly, he is also likely to express his determination for cooperative governance.

At his previous confirmation hearing, Prime Minister Chung stated, "After the 21st general election, I plan to actively propose to the President the formation of a cooperative Cabinet involving various political parties." President Moon’s strong will is expected to support the Prime Minister’s subsequent actions.

At a New Year press conference on the 14th, President Moon emphasized the role of the National Assembly, saying, "Cooperative governance does not happen by the President’s will alone." At the following Prime Minister appointment ceremony, he reiterated the mission of the 'cooperative Prime Minister,' stating, "Politics must serve as a centripetal force to unite and consolidate the people, and for that, the National Assembly must show politics of dialogue and compromise even while competing."

In response, Prime Minister Chung said, "I will listen to public opinions on contentious issues and achieve substantive cooperation with the National Assembly beyond mere communication."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.