President Moon: "Ukraine Situation Serious, Must Respond Thoroughly... Expand Youth Hope Savings" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in pointed out the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine and urged thorough inspection and response. Regarding the supplementary budget (supplementary budget) that was passed by the National Assembly the day before, he said, "It is late, but fortunately," and instructed to speed up the execution.

On the morning of the 22nd, President Moon presided over a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House and stated, "The situation in Ukraine is heading toward a serious phase."

President Moon said, "Relevant ministries and agencies should closely examine the impact on our security, the safety of overseas Koreans, and the economy, and respond quickly and thoroughly," adding, "As soon as the Cabinet meeting ends, please hold the Standing Committee of the National Security Council (NSC) and the Foreign Economic Security Strategy Meeting to share information and review response measures once again."

Regarding the supplementary budget of 16.9 trillion won passed by the National Assembly the day before, he said, "It is late, but fortunately. Now it is the government's time," and added, "Please speed up the execution as much as possible so that the wait of small business owners and self-employed people does not get any longer."

He also added, "Please continue to seek additional measures to alleviate difficulties such as extending loan maturities for small business owners and self-employed people through the supplementary budget."

Regarding the 'Youth Hope Savings' launched the day before, he said, "It is expected that subscription applications will surge more than anticipated," and added, "For the next two weeks, all young people who apply will be allowed to subscribe and supported so that no young people who are eligible for subscription but cannot join due to limited support numbers are left out."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the Cabinet meeting that day, a revision to the enforcement decree of the 'Infectious Disease Prevention Act' was approved to allow voters in isolation or treatment to go out to vote. President Moon evaluated, "It has become possible to guarantee the participation rights of all voters regardless of COVID-19 confirmation or isolation status, and conditions have been created to hold elections more safely."

President Moon said that South Korea's democracy index has increased due to fair and safe election management, emphasizing, "We will do our best to make this presidential election an opportunity to further elevate the status of democracy in our country." He also urged, "The election management authorities and quarantine authorities must prepare thoroughly so that the public can vote with peace of mind and ensure there are no gaps in the quarantine management of election and vote counting staff."

Regarding overseas voting starting tomorrow, he instructed, "Please make every effort to manage overseas voting so that voters residing or staying abroad can safely exercise their voting rights."