Cabinet Meeting Held Without Yoon... Han Deok-su Says "Stabilizing State Affairs" (Comprehensive)

Government convenes Cabinet meeting... Authority belongs to the President
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The Cabinet meeting was convened for the first time since the emergency martial law situation. Controversy is expected to arise over the convening authority, as President Yoon Seok-yeol, who announced his intention to step down from state affairs, continues to exercise power.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo held a Cabinet meeting at around 10 a.m. on the 10th at the Government Seoul Office. Prime Minister Han stated, "The state affairs are in a very serious situation," and added, "The entire cabinet will do its utmost to ensure that the functions of the state are stably maintained under any circumstances and that there is not a moment's gap in state affairs."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at the first Cabinet meeting held on the 10th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol was dismissed due to a lack of quorum caused by the collective abstention of People Power Party lawmakers from the vote. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Prime Minister Han emphasized first and foremost the importance of maintaining the ROK-US alliance and ROK-US-Japan security cooperation stably, saying, "I hope the entire cabinet, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will do their best to maintain trust with the US, the ROK-US-Japan alliance, and our allies." He also said, "The military must establish a solid security posture to ensure there are no gaps in national security," and "Maintain a readiness posture to respond immediately if North Korea provokes."

Regarding the economic situation, he ordered, "The Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Financial Services Commission, and other economic departments should mobilize all available means under the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy to prevent the spread of economic anxiety and instability in the financial markets." He reiterated that livelihood and economic revitalization measures, such as the 'Customized Support Strengthening Plan for Small Business Owners and Self-Employed' announced by the government on the 2nd, a day before the emergency martial law, must be carried out without disruption.

Prime Minister Han said, "The Republic of Korea has wisely overcome crises through the great resilience and unity of its people," and "I ask the National Assembly, political circles, religious communities, and others to join in the prompt stabilization of state affairs and national unity."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at the first Cabinet meeting held on the 10th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, following President Yoon Suk-yeol's statement entrusting party and government with state administration. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

The Cabinet meeting is the highest policy deliberation body that handles policies under the authority of the executive branch. The Constitution stipulates that it deliberates and resolves laws, budgets, finances, and other matters necessary for state administration. Although this Cabinet meeting was also held with an emphasis on 'stabilizing state affairs,' controversy is expected regarding the convening authority.

Under the current Government Organization Act, the Cabinet meeting is convened and presided over by the President. Only when the chairperson (President) is unable to perform duties due to 'accident' does the vice-chairperson (Prime Minister) act as a proxy. Although it has been customary to interpret the President's overseas trips as 'accidents' and have the Prime Minister preside instead, President Yoon's current situation is difficult to consider as an 'accident.'

Article 86 of the Constitution, which the government and ruling party cite as the basis for 'delegation of authority,' is also open to debate. It stipulates that the Prime Minister oversees administrative departments "under the command of the President." At minimum, the convening of the Cabinet meeting implies that President Yoon continues to be involved in state affairs or that the Prime Minister is overstepping his authority.

In a situation where the opposition's impeachment and special investigation offensives are intensifying, this Cabinet meeting is expected to amplify criticism that President Yoon's involvement in state affairs continues. Considering these issues, the government's decision to hold the Cabinet meeting is interpreted as a determination to prevent a vacuum in state affairs based on the legally exercisable authority of the President.

Meanwhile, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, the Cabinet meeting convened on this day was the '54th,' and the Cabinet meeting held on the morning of the 3rd was the '51st.' This count includes the meetings held just before the declaration of martial law and the meeting that resolved its lifting.