President Lee Jae-myung on the 29th noted that the social overhead capital (SOC) projects require a large budget and said, "There is a significant lack of budget and resources," adding that he wants to "explore a public-private hybrid model that can reduce the financial burden by procuring private resources and provide investment opportunities for the public." This direction came after the government approved the next year's budget plan, approaching 730 trillion won, at the Cabinet meeting, and amid expectations that the national government debt will exceed 1,400 trillion won due to the preparation of the supplementary budget.
According to Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung, President Lee, who chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office that day, mentioned the government's financial shortfall during a closed meeting and urged these points. Spokesperson Kang said, "If (the project costs) are entirely shifted to the private sector or if all expenditures are made from public finances, it would be burdensome," and added, "The intention is to look into forming an appropriate fund together with the government and the private sector. This is what we have suggested to consider."
◇ In response to the opposition's request for a 'private meeting,' the president said, 'It is desirable for the ruling and opposition parties to meet.'
The Presidential Office said in response to the request from newly elected People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk for a meeting with President Lee, "The president believes it is quite desirable for the ruling and opposition parties to meet." It also indicated that discussions between the Presidential Office and the National Assembly related to this matter have already been significantly progressed. Although Representative Jang requested a 'private meeting' instead of the proposal for a meeting between the president and the ruling and opposition party leaders suggested by Chief of Staff Woo Sang-ho, it appears the Presidential Office expressed its intention not to accept a one-on-one meeting.
Spokesperson Kang said, "We have conveyed about the meeting with Representative Jang both officially and unofficially, and (the meeting between the ruling and opposition leaders) is understood to be under discussion." Regarding Representative Jang's claim that he had 'never received an official proposal from the Presidential Office,' she stated, "The president proposed a meeting to exchange opinions between the ruling and opposition parties to express a willingness for integration and gather diverse opinions," adding, "So far, the president thinks it is quite desirable for the ruling and opposition parties to meet to exchange opinions, even without setting any specific agenda."