"Government Committees Under Review... Budget Cuts Starting with Presidential Committees"
Yoon Shares NATO Summit Issues with Cabinet Members
President Yoon Suk-yeol reaffirmed his commitment to public sector management innovation on the 5th, stating, "We will tighten our belts by selling unnecessary assets, implementing bold expenditure restructuring, and improving the efficiency of public institutions."
At the Cabinet meeting held that morning at the Yongsan Presidential Office, President Yoon said, "The public sector will take the lead and be at the forefront in alleviating the difficulties of people's livelihoods."
He continued, "The resources secured through such (public sector innovation) efforts should be generously supported to those who are more vulnerable and struggling. From now on, I will personally oversee livelihood issues," emphasizing, "I will visit the field to listen to the difficulties of the people and preside over the Emergency Economic Livelihood Meetings weekly."
During the Cabinet meeting, measures regarding expenses for various government committees related to public sector management innovation were discussed. President Yoon pointed out, "As many experts have noted, the various committees within the government are representative cases that hinder responsible administration and increase administrative inefficiency."
On the 20th of last month, at a meeting of senior secretaries presided over by the president, he instructed the consolidation and reorganization of government committees under ministries that have poor performance or inactive functions. As of the end of last year, there were 626 committees under central administrative agencies.
He added, "We will first boldly reorganize committees under the president to reduce budgets, improve administrative efficiency, and establish the foundation for responsible administration. I urge each ministry to actively participate in committee reorganization as well."
President Yoon also shared with Cabinet members the issues addressed during his North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) tour, where he conducted sales diplomacy related to nuclear power and defense industries.
He explained, "Liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are essential core values for maintaining the sustainability of the community, and respecting the norms that realize these values is universally agreed upon domestically and internationally." He discussed cooperation with heads of state from various countries in advanced industries and future growth sectors.
During his visit to Madrid, Spain, from May 27 to June 1 for the NATO summit, President Yoon held bilateral talks with leaders from ten countries including Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic, promoting the excellence, safety, and status of South Korea's nuclear power plants as the most cost-effective in the world.
Regarding the bid to host the 2030 World Expo, he informed that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as co-chairman of the bid committee and instructed, "I ask all ministries to meet with partner countries whenever possible to request support for hosting the 2030 Expo in Busan."
Additionally, concerning the heatwave, he urged, "Since the heatwave started earlier than usual and damage is expected, please ensure thorough protection measures for vulnerable groups," and requested, "Prepare thoroughly for the surge in electricity usage and inspect infrastructure such as railways and roads to prevent any disruptions."
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