President Lee Calls for Productive Financial Strategy Amid 800 Trillion Won Budget Proposal

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for proactive financial policies on August 25, stating, "Now is not the time to be preoccupied with managing immediate financial figures" in relation to the 2026 budget proposal.

During a Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House, President Lee remarked, "We must ensure that our increased financial capacity is used as seeds to harvest more in the future, transitioning to a productive financial strategy."

He stressed the importance of investing precious future resources into more efficient and productive areas, saying, "We need the wisdom to grow today’s 10,000 won into 100,000 won tomorrow, and eventually into 1 million won."

President Lee specifically urged the government to boldly adjust unnecessary budgets to promote sound financial management. He added, "At the same time, I hope the budget proposal is finalized with a focus on solving key national tasks such as promoting super-gap growth, alleviating K-shaped polarization, achieving balanced development, nurturing talent, and building a ladder for the future of youth."

Last month, the Ministry of Economy and Finance indicated at a national fiscal strategy meeting that the total expenditure increase rate for the next year would exceed 10% compared to this year's main budget of 729.9 trillion won, signaling an 800 trillion won 'super budget.'

President Lee also requested that the National Assembly and the public consider rational alternatives after the budget proposal is submitted. He noted, "Sometimes, I see articles suggesting that when government policies are modified based on the National Assembly's opinions, they are criticized for being inconsistent. Conversely, if there is a lack of agreement with the National Assembly, it is labeled as unilateral. There are criticisms whether we move forward, backward, stand still, sit down, or lie down; we should not be overly concerned with that."

He concluded, "Policies are naturally proposed by the government and reviewed by the National Assembly, which ultimately makes the final decision. While the government must create the best proposals, I hope we do not become too shaken by changes during the National Assembly's review process."