Prime Minister Jeong: "The Public Service Must Properly Handle the 'Speculation Eradication Reform'"

Opening Remarks at the 15th Cabinet Meeting

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held on the morning of the 6th at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City, connected via video with Seoul. April 6, 2021. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 6th, "We are vigorously promoting reforms to eradicate real estate speculation in the public service," adding, "It is a matter that the public service must properly handle, and an indispensable measure to restore the trust of the people."

While presiding over the Cabinet meeting at the Government Complex Sejong that morning, Prime Minister Chung also expressed concern, saying, "There is also a worry that public officials might become unnecessarily intimidated or that the momentum for policy promotion might decline." He added, "There are important tasks that the government must lead, such as the full-scale promotion of the Korean New Deal, economic recovery and leap to a leading country, and the establishment of a carbon-neutral foundation," urging the Cabinet members, "Please take special care so that public officials can diligently focus on their work with responsibility and a sense of mission without wavering."

Following the land speculation scandal involving employees of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), the government has pushed for the registration of assets by all public officials, which has sparked voices of opposition within the public service, calling it an 'excessive measure.' It appears that Prime Minister Chung has stepped in personally to soothe the public service.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (second from left) and Cabinet members salute the national flag during the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 6th. April 6, 2021.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Chung also mentioned the necessity of changing the date of Arbor Day. He said, "Due to climate change, the average spring temperature has risen, and there are many opinions that Arbor Day should be moved earlier to a more suitable time for tree planting," and ordered, "The Korea Forest Service and related ministries should come up with a plan to change Arbor Day based on public consensus that can enhance national interest and voluntary participation in tree planting."

Meanwhile, regarding the April 7 by-elections, which are just one day away, Prime Minister Chung urged, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and related ministries should maintain vigilance until the election is safely concluded and make thorough efforts to ensure quarantine and safety at voting and counting stations," and appealed, "Voters should observe safety rules and make sure to exercise their precious rights."

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