Prime Minister Chung Criticizes Ministers and Vice Ministers: "Strengthen Communication with the National Assembly"

On the 14th, at the Government Seoul Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Cabinet members are listening to Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's opening remarks during a Cabinet meeting held via video conference with the Sejong Government Complex. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has urged the ministers and vice ministers of each ministry, who are members of the Cabinet, to strengthen communication with the National Assembly.

At the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 14th, Prime Minister Chung said, "As we conclude the 20th National Assembly, communication with the National Assembly was important for the passage of legislation and the supplementary budget (추경) bill, but honestly, there were disparities among ministries in efforts for legislation, and the communication efforts of ministers and vice ministers did not meet expectations."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "I ask each ministry to carefully review how actively they have communicated with the National Assembly in terms of both quantity and quality during the first half of this year."

He continued, "Since there are as many as 151 first-term lawmakers in the 21st National Assembly, please make more efforts to gain understanding and persuade them regarding government policies."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Explaining government policies in detail to lawmakers regardless of party affiliation and seeking their cooperation is a very core part of the duties of ministers and vice ministers."

He also expressed the need to proactively respond to food security issues.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Just as the importance of the materials, parts, and equipment industry, which forms the foundation of manufacturing, has become more prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic, food security issues may become a major concern in the agriculture, forestry, and livestock sectors in the future. Due to the impact of COVID-19 over the past six months, global cargo volumes have sharply declined, raising concerns that global food supply and demand may temporarily face difficulties."

He then instructed, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs should proactively check whether we can firmly protect our food sovereignty in emergencies and, if necessary, actively prepare countermeasures focusing on important crops."