[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung visited the National Assembly to deliver a policy address urging the passage of next year's budget proposal totaling 820.9 trillion won. He emphasized that the nation must make a major shift toward "Growth for All," ensuring that the fruits of growth are not concentrated among a few, but shared evenly among all citizens.

Reporter Ha Jeongyeon reports.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung explained the government's budget proposal for next year, which was formulated at a record scale of 820.9 trillion won and submitted to the National Assembly, as follows:

[President Lee Jae-myung: "Our economy is moving beyond the stage of quantitative growth and entering a new dimension. South Korea's state affairs and the budget of our Republic of Korea must match this level."]

While our economy is showing a V-shaped recovery, he stated that the shadows of inequality and polarization still remain, calling for the application of a new growth formula.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "We must make a major shift toward 'Growth for All,' where all regions and all citizens evenly share in the opportunities and outcomes of growth."]

As a first step, he proposed three major livelihood projects: jobs, financial support for working-class citizens, and housing stabilization policies.

He also said that the government will invest in artificial intelligence and future growth drivers, while strengthening investments to build a safer country.

During his explanation of the Future Response Fund, considered the most contentious issue of this budget, protests also erupted from the opposition party.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "Yes, if you have something to say, please go ahead, and then I will finish speaking." (Why are you issuing new government bonds when there is excess tax revenue?)]

The government maintains the position that excess tax revenue from semiconductors and other sectors should be managed as a fund to help the potential growth rate rebound and ensure fiscal stability, but the People Power Party opposes this, arguing that repaying the national debt must come first.

President Lee stressed that execution and speed are key, requesting the passage of the budget proposal by December 2, the statutory deadline.

However, with the People Power Party characterizing this budget proposal as a "declaration of plundering the future," passage within the deadline is expected to be difficult.