[President Yoon Press Conference] Ruling Party: "Party and Government Prioritize Livelihood Recovery... Will Return to Original Intent"

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The People Power Party promised on the 9th, regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's 2nd anniversary press conference, that "President Yoon and the government and ruling party will prioritize the recovery of people’s livelihoods as the top task, return to their original intentions, and work with a humbler attitude while communicating more closely."

Jeong Hee-yong, the senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, said in a morning statement that the government tasks explained by President Yoon "can only be resolved with the support and backing of the people."

Senior Spokesperson Jeong evaluated, "President Yoon thoroughly explained the policy processes and achievements of the past two years to the people through the press conference," adding, "He began by expressing his sincere apologies for the difficulties in people’s livelihoods, honestly admitted that there were shortcomings in changing the lives of the people, and pledged to humbly take to heart any criticism and reproach."

Regarding the past two years and future direction of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, he said, "The goals and directions of national governance carried out in various fields such as the economy, diplomacy, security, welfare, labor, and healthcare were solely focused on 'people’s livelihoods.' President Yoon expressed his intention to take care of people’s livelihoods more meticulously, going deeper into the lives of the people to bring about substantial change, and to govern according to the will of the people. He also repeatedly urged communication and cooperation with the opposition party, which is essential for pushing forward reform legislation."

On the 9th, citizens at Seoul Station are watching the live broadcast of President Yoon Suk-yeol's 2nd anniversary inauguration press conference. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

He also gave a positive evaluation of the press conference as "sincere and candid." Senior Spokesperson Jeong said, "During the Q&A session with reporters, which was not limited to any specific topic, the people were able to hear the president’s sincere and candid stance on all current issues they might be curious about," adding, "Regarding several matters such as special investigations where there are differences in positions, he emphasized the essence and purpose of the special investigations and sought cooperation for strict and fair investigations to uncover the truth."

He further explained, "As the Yoon Suk-yeol administration enters its third year, it faces numerous agendas such as recovering the livelihood economy amid high inflation, high interest rates, and high exchange rates, pioneering economic revitalization through export and domestic demand activation measures, expanding welfare policies centered on the vulnerable, diplomatic and security issues, and policies on prices and real estate," adding, "Above all, there are essential tasks that must be pursued for future generations, including the three major reforms in labor, pensions, and education, medical reform tasks, and solutions to low birth rates and regional extinction."

Moreover, he emphasized, "Now is the time for cooperation, not conflict; communication, not political strife; and moving forward to the future. As President Yoon said, 'Cooperation is sustained by perseverance, patience, sincerity, trust, and earnestness,' the government and ruling party will take the lead in 'cooperation' for the people."

Jeong Gwang-jae, spokesperson for the People Power Party, also told Asia Economy, "We were able to confirm President Yoon’s sincerity in explaining the achievements and shortcomings of his administration to the people and humbly apologizing for the parts that did not meet expectations," adding, "Since President Yoon emphasized focusing on resolving difficulties in people’s livelihoods and communication and cooperation with the National Assembly, especially the opposition, we expect this to be an opportunity for Korean politics to mature to the next level."

He also requested the opposition party, saying, "The government organization bill that establishes the Low Birthrate Response Planning Department to address the low birthrate issue, which is crucial for Korea’s future, and assigns it to the Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs urgently requires the cooperation of the opposition party, so we hope the opposition will actively cooperate."

[Image source=Yonhap News]