National-Level Measures for Improving Firefighters' Working Conditions and Equipment

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung said today (October 19) that national-level measures are needed to improve working conditions for firefighters and upgrade their equipment. At the same time, he emphasized that firefighting is fundamentally a local government responsibility.

Reporter Kang Min-u reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung made an unscheduled visit to the Chunchugwan press center at Cheong Wa Dae to meet with reporters.

When asked about issues including the firefighting budget, he said that while firefighting is an arduous occupation in which individuals must put their lives on the line to protect the lives and property of the people, they are not receiving sufficiently satisfactory treatment.

Following the press gathering, he posted on social media, "The state must also take responsibility for and protect the lives and safety of firefighters," stating that effective support measures, including improving manuals and expanding safety equipment, will be prepared.

Regarding the structural issue of where firefighting administration should belong, President Lee said during the gathering, "Fundamentally, firefighting is indeed a local affair," noting that there is considerable room for debate over whether firefighting should be shifted to a national administrative duty simply because firefighters were given national civil servant status.

However, he added that measures do appear necessary at the national level when it comes to improving working conditions and upgrading equipment.

While the remark was intended to emphasize that firefighting operations tailored to regional characteristics align with the ultimate administrative goal of ensuring a better life for citizens, some view it as an indirect critique of Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, who had voiced frustration over the local fiscal burden associated with firefighting operations.

A Cheong Wa Dae official explained, "Firefighting is a vital domain of local autonomy," adding, "When it comes to financial matters, there are aspects where social dialogue is necessary."

Meanwhile, President Lee also stated during the briefing, "We are continuously checking what policy measures need to be taken to normalize the stock market," adding, "We will receive a comprehensive report soon and take necessary actions." Regarding the real estate market, he said, "Housing supply will normalize starting beyond 2028."

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo and Yoon Hyeong | Video Editing by So Ji-hye | Graphics by Seo Seung-hyeon)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.