National Assembly Speaker Jo Jung-sik met with Im Kwang-hyun, the new chief of staff at the Blue House, on October 21, urging for budget allocations and improved treatment for firefighters. In response, Im stated that "President Lee Jae-myung is also concerned about this issue" and pledged to actively cooperate to enhance the welfare of firefighters.
During their meeting at the National Assembly, Jo expressed his condolences regarding recent incidents where firefighters lost their lives while battling fires. He emphasized the need to honor the deceased, support their families, and ensure that such tragic incidents do not recur. "Firefighters who dedicate themselves to protecting the lives and safety of the public deserve respect," he said.
Im responded, saying, "The treatment of firefighters, who protect the lives of citizens, is an issue that President Lee is also paying attention to. We will ensure that there is no negligence in this matter."
Jo also requested the government's active cooperation to ensure the smooth processing of the 2027 budget proposal, as the National Assembly's audit sessions will conclude at the end of this month.
He stated, "The government must adequately explain the budget proposal to both ruling and opposition parties to ensure it is processed within the legal timeframe." He added, "We will continue to prioritize the public's livelihood and national interests, creating tangible results that citizens can feel."
Im emphasized that the government will do its utmost to achieve results that resonate with the public in collaboration with the National Assembly. He noted that despite favorable macroeconomic indicators, the government will carefully monitor to ensure that benefits are distributed equitably across all social strata. "We will do our best to ensure that the growth budget prepared for the nation's future is processed smoothly," he stressed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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