The first high-level party-government meeting since the launch of Lee Jae-myung's government was held on the 6th. Senior officials from the Democratic Party of Korea, the government, and the Presidential Office gathered to discuss the prompt execution of this year's second supplementary budget, price stabilization, and disaster response measures for the summer.
The first high-level party-government meeting of the Lee Jae-myung government was held that afternoon, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok at the Prime Minister’s residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. The party-government meeting is an official consultative body for coordinating and discussing national policy issues among the government, ruling party, and Presidential Office. Prime Minister Kim, acting party leader and floor leader Kim Byeong-gi from the Democratic Party of Korea, and Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon attended.
First to take the microphone, floor leader Kim Byeong-gi said, “The Lee Jae-myung government is a working government,” noting that “a national approval rating of over 60% shows the high expectations of the people. Now, we must show results that the people can feel.”
He specifically mentioned the second supplementary budget bill that passed the National Assembly on the 4th, saying, “The president said to execute it as quickly as possible so that it can be a catalyst for improving the lives of the people.” He emphasized the need for speedy execution by stating, “Before the peak vacation season, measures like consumer coupons must be implemented to stimulate consumption and support income.”
Floor leader Kim added, “The price indices for seafood and livestock products rose by 5.1% and 4.3%, respectively, in the first half of this year. The prices of processed foods and dining out, which have been rising since the beginning of the year, have increased by 3.7% and 3.1% each.” He requested that the government promptly monitor price trends and quickly prepare and implement measures, pointing out that the impact of the heat waves could cause significant fluctuations in agricultural product prices.
He also emphasized the need for disaster response measures for heat waves. Floor leader Kim stated, “We must develop and effectively implement measures for the monsoon and heat waves,” and requested, “Please check for duplicated administration and budget, ensuring that resources and personnel are provided promptly where they are most needed.” He added, “We must support low-income vulnerable groups affected by heat waves. It is necessary for related agencies to supervise whether adequate rest times are ensured for field workers and mobile workers.”
He also stated, “The party, government, and Presidential Office must become one team,” and added, “If you need the party's help, please feel free to let us know. The party will solidly support the government and the Presidential Office.”
Prime Minister Kim also emphasized, “The party and government, including the Presidential Office, are one body and a community of destiny.”
He further highlighted, “Today, we will focus on discussing ways to rapidly maximize the effects of the supplementary budget for supporting livelihoods and thoroughly prepare for summer disasters like heat waves.”
Additionally, he said, “Today, I wore a tie symbolizing the socially weak,” adding that “the commitment to not leave behind a single vulnerable individual is the foundation and essence of Lee Jae-myung’s governance.” He expressed hope that this would mark the beginning of their efforts to ultimately preserve national governance and serve the people.
Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon evaluated, “Prime Minister Kim is an operational commander who precisely understands the president’s governance philosophy and is working swiftly to achieve results,” noting that “public expectations for the Prime Minister are very high.”
He continued, “The president is also prioritizing the recovery of the collapsed economy and revitalizing the livelihoods of the people while listening to their voices and working on solutions. At this moment, the livelihood recovery support funds are expected to play a key role in boosting consumer capacity and revitalizing the domestic market.”
Regarding delays in forming the cabinet, there were concerns, and he requested that the hearing schedules for the cabinet members, which are set for this month, be promptly advanced. Secretary Kang noted, “Only the Prime Minister has been appointed after a month since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung government. If the hearing procedures are delayed, subsequent schedules will be unpredictable,” calling for prompt action from the party.