President Lee: "Leaving a Dry Pump Unattended Brings Drought... Fiscal Spending Must Be the Priming Water"

President Lee Jae-myung Presides Over Cabinet Meeting on November 4
"Commend APEC Contributors and Negotiation Teams"

On November 4, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for an active fiscal policy regarding next year's budget, stating, "If you leave a dry pump unattended just to save a bucket of water, a drought will come."

President Lee made these remarks while presiding over a Cabinet meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office that day. He said, "Now is the time to use fiscal spending as a priming water to restore a virtuous cycle in the economy," and added, "I once again call for bipartisan cooperation from the National Assembly so that 2026 can mark the starting point of a great transformation in Korea that the people can truly feel."

President Lee Jae-myung is reviewing documents and receiving departmental reports at the Cabinet meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Lee further stated, "To stay even a step ahead in the increasingly fierce global competition for technological supremacy, fostering scientific and technological talent is more important than anything else," and explained, "Just as finance must flow into productive sectors for sustainable growth, more talent must head toward science and technology in order to realize a super-innovative economy."

President Lee also commented on the significant increase in applicants for next year's rolling admissions at the four major Institutes of Science and Technology this year, saying, "This is a very desirable development for the future of our country." He called for policies such as expanding the allowance for switching to science and engineering fields, increasing budget support, securing excellent faculty, and advancing research and educational infrastructure to foster scientific and technological talent.

President Lee analyzed, "The war without gunfire to protect national interests is expected to continue," and added, "The uncertainty in the international order will not be resolved in the short term either." He emphasized, "All the more, we must protect our national interests and strengthen our national power with bold courage, meticulous preparation, and united strength, so that we can pioneer a better life for our people and a brighter future for Korea."

Meanwhile, President Lee referred to last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) achievements, saying, "From what I saw on site, everyone was working hard. I hope we can identify and encourage contributors and give them commendations." He also asked the customs and security negotiation teams to "find ways to commend the working-level staff."