President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to deliver a budget address on November 2 regarding the 2027 budget proposal. As the government and the ruling People Power Party clash over the direction of budget review, opposition leaders have expressed strong objections to the President's recent social media comments about his overseas trips, leading to ongoing tensions ahead of the budget session.
Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong announced the schedule for the President's address on November 1. During the speech, President Yoon is expected to explain the rationale behind the proposed budget and request cooperation for its review and approval.
With the political disputes that began during the National Assembly's audit still unresolved, it appears challenging for the President's address to foster cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties.
The proposed budget for next year totals 820.9 trillion won, representing a 12.8% increase from this year's main budget. The government plans to allocate funds to stabilize livelihoods, secure future growth engines, and promote local-led growth.
The Democratic Party is focused on securing funding for key government initiatives, while the People Power Party is pushing for significant cuts targeting the establishment of a future response fund and cash support programs. The National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts will conduct comprehensive policy inquiries on November 4 and 5.
The debate over overseas trips continues. The People Power Party raised concerns during the National Assembly audit regarding the frequency of President Yoon's trips and the participation of First Lady Kim Keon-hee. In response, President Yoon directly countered these claims on social media on October 31.
He stated, "In the eyes of the ministries, they only see their own departments, and just as a pig only sees other pigs, people can only see as much as they know, so please understand." He also mentioned the physical toll of long flights and packed official schedules, noting that he has experienced physical strain, including receiving IV drips and suffering from nosebleeds.
President Yoon asserted that the traveling schedules and workloads of former and current presidents, as well as the outcomes, are better understood by the accompanying press corps.
In response, People Power Party floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik criticized the President's social media post regarding his trips, stating it revealed a distorted perception of governance. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also expressed his discontent on Facebook the previous day, questioning whether the President views all citizens who criticize him as pigs and urging him to refrain from such emotional outbursts.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.