Concerns Raised Over 'Gap' in Office Relocation Process
Yoon's Side Requested 'Contingency Funds' Not Proposed
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As the Blue House has put a brake on President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's plan to relocate the presidential office citing 'security gaps,' on the 22nd, President Moon Jae-in emphasized security cooperation between the current and next administrations, stating, "There can be no small gaps in state affairs."
President Moon presided over the Cabinet meeting that day and said, "National security, the national economy, and public safety must have no gaps even for a moment."
He added, "Security, economy, and safety are tasks that must be managed stably through cooperation between the current and next governments during the transition period and are core duties in the handover process. I hope close communication and consultation take place at all levels while focusing on these areas."
He continued, "Although our government's term is nearing its end, I will regard fulfilling the responsibilities as the head of state, head of administration, and commander-in-chief of the military, as entrusted by the Constitution, as my final mission," and added, "I ask all ministries to devote themselves unwaveringly to state affairs and faithfully support the handover process."
President Moon also stated that due to the new Cold War dynamics and tensions on the Korean Peninsula, "We are facing a grave situation both internally and externally," and said, "Our military must maintain the highest level of security readiness."
He emphasized, "There must not be even the slightest security concern," and added, "During the government transition period, we must be even more vigilant and strive to manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula stably."
Amid ongoing tensions between the Blue House and the transition team over the relocation of the presidential office, President Moon's direct mention of security and public safety appears to be a subtle criticism of the transition team's excessive push for the office move.
Additionally, President Moon urged, "I hope efforts continue to protect the national economy and safeguard people's livelihoods from external threats and challenges, ensuring a smooth transition to the next government," and mentioned the necessity to "overcome and get through the Omicron peak."
He further stated, "Even after passing the peak, severe cases and deaths are expected to increase for a considerable period," and urged the government to focus all efforts on stabilizing medical responses by managing severe cases and deaths.
Meanwhile, at the Cabinet meeting that day, the request from the transition team for the use of approximately 49 billion won in contingency funds was not submitted. Instead, the enforcement decree of the 'Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Climate Crisis Response' was approved. President Moon said, "Although we started later than other advanced countries, the pace has been very fast since the 2050 carbon neutrality declaration," and added, "With the legal and institutional foundations for transitioning to a carbon-neutral society now complete, I hope a thorough carbon neutrality implementation system is established not only at the central government level but also at regional levels."
Regarding carbon neutrality, he also said, "Our industries and companies are actively participating in ESG management and the RE100 movement," and added, "I hope the government provides all possible support so that companies do not bear heavy burdens."
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