Han Deok-su Appears in the National Assembly Plenary Hall: "Our Economy Stands at a Crossroads Between Growth and Recession"

Expressing Gratitude Regarding the Budget Bill Processing

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stood in the National Assembly plenary session on the 10th and expressed gratitude for the passage of next year's budget bill through the National Assembly. Opposition party lawmakers shouted and criticized Prime Minister Han in the chamber for expressing thanks regarding the budget bill's approval.

Prime Minister Han, who has been criticized for attending the State Council meeting during the emergency martial law situation, said about the budget bill passed by the National Assembly that day, "Thank you for approving the budget bill and the fund operation plan."

However, he also expressed regret, saying, "I had hoped that through bipartisan agreement, the budget would better support the people, businesses, and economic activities more smoothly."

The budget bill that day was prepared based on the budget unilaterally approved by the opposition party in the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee. The government and both ruling and opposition parties negotiated over partially restoring the cut budget while reflecting the opposition party's requested budget, but they failed to reach a final agreement.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is attending the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Prime Minister Han said, "We will actively respond to the recent increased uncertainties in our economy and will prepare immediately from the beginning of the year," adding, "In particular, we will strengthen customized support for vulnerable groups to help alleviate the immediate livelihood issues of those facing difficulties, even if only slightly." He also stated, "We will support securing competitiveness in advanced industries to revive the vitality of our economy and steadily implement structural reforms for South Korea's future, such as addressing low birth rates and medical reform."

He said, "Our economy is now at a crossroads between growth and stagnation, and there is no time to even catch our breath," and added, "To move forward on the path of economic development, the government requests active cooperation from the National Assembly to stabilize livelihoods and restore economic vitality in accordance with the Constitution and laws."

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