Minister Yoon Hojung Considers "Special Budgetary Support" for Local Governments Burdened by Consumption Coupons

Minister Yoon Holds First Press Briefing with Reporters
Emphasizes Local Government Responsibility Despite Support
On the Police Bureau: "Abolition Imminent... Unacceptable to Our Administration"
"AI-Powered Democratic Government... Delivering AI Benefits to the People"

Yoon Hojung, Minister of the Interior and Safety, has announced "special budgetary support" for local governments that are experiencing financial burdens after issuing their own local currencies to revitalize regional economies. However, he emphasized, "It remains unchanged that local governments must also take responsibility for revitalizing their local economies, especially in these economically difficult times and amid sluggish domestic demand."

At a luncheon with the press corps held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 13th, Minister Yoon stated, "While the National Assembly has tried to ease the burden by considering the circumstances of local governments, those that have issued local gift certificates and similar instruments since the beginning of this year are actually facing greater difficulties." He mentioned that policy measures would be mobilized to support these local governments.

Yoon Hojung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, is attending a luncheon meeting with the press corps held on the 13th in Jongno-gu, Seoul, responding to reporters' questions. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, the government began distributing livelihood recovery consumption coupons on July 21. However, local governments suffering from fiscal difficulties have struggled to secure the 10% local matching funds required, causing significant headaches. In particular, those that issued their own local currencies earlier this year have now exhausted their available resources, leading them to consider relying on national government funds or even issuing local bonds. Furthermore, the government plans to begin the second round of consumption coupon distribution on September 22. This means that, even before the financial impact of the first round has subsided, local governments are once again facing an emergency in fiscal management.

In response, Minister Yoon expressed his understanding of the difficulties faced by these local governments, but reiterated that "local governments must also take responsibility for revitalizing their regional economies." He added that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety would provide special budgetary support, using available policy tools, to those that have made efforts to boost their local economies.

Regarding the abolition of the Police Bureau, which is considered the most pressing policy issue for the ministry, Minister Yoon said, "The process will be completed and abolished within this month." He specifically pointed out, "The Police Bureau itself was a means to replicate the relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the police." He continued, "This is a system our government cannot accept," and added, "After the abolition of the Police Bureau, the police will further develop their investigative capabilities, serving the public without political bias or external interference in criminal investigations."

Addressing concerns about the excessive expansion of police authority, Minister Yoon said, "We have seen that unchecked prosecutorial power can actually harm the public," and added, "Since the investigative authority of the police is respected and its neutrality protected, there must be a clear structure in place to restrain any abuse of power or threats to the democratic order."

Minister Yoon also emphasized the management of public safety. He stated, "Protecting the lives and property of the people is the government's fundamental duty," and added, "Whenever there have been major disasters in the past and the response was inadequate, I believe the government should apologize on its behalf."

Additionally, he pledged to strengthen capabilities for an AI-driven government. He noted that since the era of former President Kim Dae-jung, Korea has led the world in IT-based e-government and digital government, and expressed confidence that "Korea can also succeed in the AI transition." Minister Yoon stated, "Our goal is not simply to use AI for administrative convenience, but to build an AI-powered democratic government that delivers tangible benefits to the people."