Mar 3 β€’ 07:00 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Revived Planning and Budget Ministry: Expectations for Early Stabilization with the Nomination of Four-term Senior Park Hong-keun as Minister

Park Hong-keun has expressed his commitment to prioritize national duties over his previous plans to run for Seoul Mayor after being nominated as the Minister of Planning and Budget in South Korea.

Park Hong-keun, the candidate for Minister of Planning and Budget, stated on the day following his nomination that he prioritized the call of the nation over his preparations for the Seoul mayoral election. He mentioned plans to discuss the supplementary budget with the Blue House and stressed the importance of an active fiscal role amidst South Korea's complex structural crises. Park's nomination as the head of the newly revived ministry has generated optimism within the Planning Ministry, as many believe his extensive experience will strengthen the department.

His aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the government's success led to his withdrawal from the mayoral race, emphasizing that he wished to determine where he could be most useful to the country. He underscored the need for fiscal efficiency, promising to eradicate wasteful expenditures and ensure optimal resource allocation while incorporating feedback from on-ground experiences into discussions within the National Assembly.

With key budget preparation timelines approaching, including guidelines by the end of March and the National Fiscal Strategy Meeting in April, Park's timely nomination is viewed as beneficial for the ministry's swift establishment. Officials anticipate that having a seasoned politician at the helm will facilitate the Planning Ministry's integration into the broader governmental framework, thus enhancing its effectiveness in addressing fiscal challenges.

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