Im Kwang-hyun, Chief of Staff to the President, stated on November 2 that he finds it difficult to agree with criticisms claiming that the government budget does not address national debt repayment. He emphasized that national debt is being managed more stably than ever before compared to other advanced countries.
Im made these remarks during a meeting with senior aides, as reported by Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong in a written briefing.
He stressed the importance of the timely passage of next year's budget and urged close cooperation among the Blue House's senior offices and relevant ministries.
Regarding the newly established Future Response Fund, Im described it as a strategic investment platform to support potential growth and a fiscal stabilization mechanism to mitigate revenue volatility.
He characterized next year's budget as a 'people's budget' aimed at achieving 'greater growth, warmer livelihoods, and a stronger Republic of Korea.' He further elaborated that it is a 'growth budget' to realize an 'indispensable Republic of Korea' and a 'livelihood budget' that shares the warmth of growth.
Im highlighted that the government has prepared a record budget of 820.9 trillion won to ensure 'growth for all,' moving away from a model of 'growth for a few' where resources are concentrated in specific areas.
He acknowledged that while a growth rate of around 3% is expected this year, issues of inequality and polarization remain. He noted that the government has prepared not only the 'three mega projects' and 'seven SEED initiatives' but also 'three livelihood projects' to boost the economy while addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
Im urged the National Assembly to actively consider better alternatives during the budget review process and called for close cooperation among the Blue House's senior offices and relevant ministries to ensure the budget is passed on time.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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