Yoon: "No Compromise with Forces Trying to Undermine Liberal Democracy"

Final Remarks at the Cabinet Meeting Emphasize 'Freedom' and 'Rule of Law'
Presidential Office: "Not Referring to Specific Forces... Explaining the Reason"
Background of Mentioning Labor and Health Insurance Reform: "What Must Be Done Now for Future Generations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 13th, President Yoon Seok-yeol stated, "Forces trying to undermine liberal democracy either deceive the masses or, if that fails, try to intimidate through violence. We must never compromise with such forces."

President Yoon made these remarks during his closing statement at the Cabinet meeting held that day, according to a briefing by Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung of the Presidential Office.

President Yoon emphasized, "Protecting freedom and establishing the rule of law should be the highest national value that must be upheld not only to maintain social order but also in all areas including security, economy, science, education, society, and culture."

He continued, "If this is not corrected, it is not a nation," and stressed, "To protect liberal democracy, we must value the truth."

He also stated, "Those who agree that the fundamental value of our community is freedom can engage in cooperation and compromise, but we cannot be with those who seek to eliminate freedom or those who engage in false agitation and threats," adding, "This is the president's duty to uphold the Constitution."

President Yoon particularly noted, "The rule of law is a system that allows everyone to enjoy freedom together. Democracy and republicanism are also manifested through the rule of law," and said, "If the state, which should hold those responsible for legal violations accountable, neglects this, it denies the freedom of our society and abandons the socially vulnerable."

In his remarks at the Cabinet meeting, President Yoon reaffirmed his stance to hold accountable those responsible for illegal acts that occurred during the Cargo Solidarity's collective transport refusal (general strike). Regarding this, President Yoon said, "If the state does not swiftly and strictly enforce the law and neglects this, the people, workers, and business owners will be too scared and anxious to do anything," and emphasized, "There will be no compromise with illegality during my term."

However, the Presidential Office stated that President Yoon's remarks did not refer to any specific group. A Presidential Office official explained to reporters that day, "It should be understood as a specific explanation of why there will be no compromise with illegality rather than mentioning a particular group."

The official also explained the background for ordering labor reform and national health insurance reform in the opening remarks, saying, "We recognize these reform tasks as the most important issues that must be addressed now for future generations," and added, "Therefore, we intend to push forward the reform tasks with a sense of urgency."

The Future Labor Market Research Association recommended the 'Labor Reform Plan,' which includes measures to flexibilize the '52-hour workweek system'?with a basic 40 hours and a maximum extension of 12 hours?on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, transition to a job performance-based pay system, and prevention of the misuse of comprehensive wages, in relation to working hours, on the previous day.

When asked whether President Yoon had set a deadline and direction for Cabinet members to prepare a blueprint for labor reform, the official replied, "No specific deadline was mentioned," adding, "He ordered that the government position be organized as quickly as possible based on the research association's discussion results. I think there will likely be an opportunity for the relevant ministries to present a roadmap for future reform tasks."

Regarding concerns about how discussions at the Economic, Social, and Labor Council (ESLC) and legislation in the National Assembly will be handled amid ongoing tough confrontations with labor groups, the official said, "Many labor reform tasks require in-depth discussions involving the government, organizations, labor groups, and business associations at bodies like the ESLC," and added, "Of course, conflicts may arise during this process, but it is necessary to recognize that these reforms are essential for our Republic of Korea to leap forward for future generations, and the government will make every effort to persuade all parties."

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