President’s Policy Speech

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President Moon Jae-in gave a policy speech regarding next year's budget bill at the National Assembly on Wednesday. During the address, he formally asked parliament to hold a public vote on a constitutional revision during the time of local elections next year. In an unusual move, after the speech, the president went over to where opposition lawmakers were seated and shook hands with them.

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As President Moon Jae-in enters the National Assembly plenary hall, lawmakers greet him with a standing ovation. In his policy speech addressing the parliament, the president asked for the Assembly's cooperation in passing next year's budget bill of 429 trillion won. The budget is 7% higher than this year's, aimed at assisting public livelihood, national security and a people-centered economy.

[Soundbite] Pres. Moon Jae-in : "Next year's budget and tax code revision proposals are focused on expanding jobs, household income as well as innovative growth, public safety and national security."

He also expressed firm resolve to eradicate the corruption and malaise deeply rooted in all areas of society and the economy by tackling structural unfairness and special privileges. To this aim, he asked for legislative cooperation to reform state agencies. This includes abolishing anti-communist related investigation rights of the National Intelligence Service and setting up an exclusive bureau to investigate crimes perpetrated by ranking public officials. He also proposed holding a national referendum during next year's provincial elections in regards to revising the Constitution to decentralize government power. He asked parties to gather opinions on reforming the election system in a way to better reflect the views of the public.

[Soundbite] Pres. Moon Jae-in : "I hope a new national framework will be completed through constitutional amendment and reform of the election system. The government will also play a responsible role."

During the policy speech, President Moon mentioned the word 'public' 70 times and the word 'economy' 39 times. As he was leaving the hall after the address, Moon shook hands with main opposition Liberty Korea Party lawmakers who were holding up a banner and staging a silent protest.