Supplementary Budget of 31.7914 Trillion Won Passed by National Assembly on July 4 Night
Comprehensive Measures on Industrial Accidents Also Requested
Prime Minister Kim Minseok Attends First Cabinet Meeting: "Will Strive for Swift Results Through Communication"
On July 5, President Lee Jaemyung presided over a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, urging the swift execution of the supplementary budget. On the night of July 4, the National Assembly passed a supplementary budget bill totaling 31.7914 trillion won during a plenary session held on the last day of the June extraordinary session. This comes 30 days after the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration and 11 days after the government submitted the supplementary budget bill to the National Assembly.
In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting, President Lee stated, "This is the first supplementary budget of the new administration, and it was urgently formulated in consideration of the very difficult national economic situation. Therefore, it must be executed as quickly as possible so that it can serve as a catalyst for improving people's lives on the ground," adding, "I ask all relevant ministries to do their utmost to ensure the fastest possible implementation."
He also called for comprehensive measures concerning industrial accidents. President Lee said, "Our country has the highest incidence and fatality rates from industrial accidents in the world," and emphasized, "This is not a responsibility for the Ministry of Employment and Labor alone; it requires a joint effort. Please compile the roles of all ministries in preventing industrial accidents, especially serious accidents such as fatalities, and in ensuring accountability after the fact, and prepare comprehensive countermeasures." He further added, "Please provide a comprehensive report to the Cabinet on the current situation, the measures that can be taken now, and, if necessary, legislative measures to amend relevant systems."
President Lee also remarked, "I have asked for reports from external agencies and major public enterprises, and I think that, when the opportunity arises, we should also conduct a screening of not only public enterprises but also their affiliated organizations."
Prime Minister Kim Minseok, who received his letter of appointment on July 4, also attended the Cabinet meeting. President Lee said, "Now that you are in a position to oversee state affairs, I ask you to do your utmost with a special sense of responsibility," and emphasized three key elements in governing the nation.
President Lee stated, "First, it is our responsibility to safeguard our national community and ensure security. Second, we must ensure that members of the nation are treated fairly under at least a minimum set of common rules, fostering mutual respect and internal order. Third, we have a responsibility to improve the livelihoods of our people so that they can lead better lives than before," adding, "I once again ask the Cabinet, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, to unite as one and do everything possible to overcome the various crises facing our country, so that the people can have hope and dream of a happy future."
In response, Prime Minister Kim said, "I feel a heavy sense of responsibility," and continued, "I have pledged to serve as the chief aide in realizing the President's policy direction. I believe that communication, speed, and results are the three core elements of President Lee Jaemyung's governance. I will do my utmost to ensure that we achieve results quickly through effective communication and collaboration."
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