Prime Minister Han Urges Swift Budget Approval... "Delays Will Disrupt Policy Implementation"

Prime Minister Han Deok-su Chairs Cabinet Meeting at Government Sejong Complex
"New Government's First Budget Reflects Sound Fiscal Transition and Support for the Vulnerable"
"Ministries Must Report Work to the Public Clearly on Reform Tasks"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo repeatedly urged the National Assembly, which has yet to reach an agreement on next year’s budget bill, to "smoothly agree and promptly process the budget bill so that the government can operate state affairs without interruption."

On the morning of the 20th, Prime Minister Han presided over the 56th Cabinet meeting at the Government Complex Sejong and said, "A new fiscal year will begin in ten days."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han stated, "The new administration’s first budget bill embodies the government’s core values and policies, aiming to transition to sound fiscal management for future generations while providing robust support for struggling low-income citizens and socially vulnerable groups." He pointed out, "If the budget bill is delayed further, it will disrupt the government’s policy implementation and exacerbate difficulties in the national economy and people’s livelihoods."

He added, "The government will make every preparation to ensure the budget can be executed smoothly as soon as it passes the National Assembly."

Regarding next year’s work report, which will begin on the 21st under President Yoon Suk-yeol’s chairmanship, he also urged cabinet members to prepare thoroughly. This work report will be conducted in a format reporting directly to the public.

In this context, Prime Minister Han said, "Last week, President Yoon presided over a meeting to review national tasks, checking the progress of government projects and directly listening to the voices of the people." He added, "Continuously, next year’s work report should allow the public to better feel the achievements of state administration as the government enters its second year."

Prime Minister Han especially requested, "Along with preparing reform tasks for future generations that have been postponed, such as labor, pensions, and education, please ensure that the government philosophy of freedom, solidarity, and the rule of law is well reflected."

He also urged support for socially vulnerable groups, such as low-income households, who may face difficulties due to the recent cold wave. Prime Minister Han said, "Since last week, the cold weather has continued. On such days, the hardships of socially vulnerable groups, including low-income households, increase." He emphasized, "Relevant ministries should devote particular efforts to supporting vulnerable groups."

Furthermore, he reiterated, "As I have said many times, safety can never be overemphasized." He added, "Please make every effort to prevent and prepare for accidents to protect the lives and property of the people from frequent winter fires, heavy snowfalls, and cold waves."

He also instructed thorough safety management for year-end and New Year events, such as year-end parties and sunrise-watching events, where large crowds gather.

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