National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik met with newly appointed presidential Chief of Staff Lim Gwang-hyeon on Wednesday and urged him to secure safety budgets and improve working conditions for firefighters, saying the government must ensure that line-of-duty deaths do not recur. Cho made the remarks as Lim visited the Assembly to pay a courtesy call following his appointment.
"There was a recent tragic incident in which a firefighter died in the line of duty while fighting a fire," Cho said. "Beyond honoring the deceased, I ask that you pay special attention to supporting the bereaved family, securing firefighter safety budgets and improving their treatment so that such fatal accidents are never repeated."
Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok died in the line of duty in a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Friday. Cho added that he hoped the dedication of firefighters who risk their lives for public safety would be properly recognized and respected.
In response, Lim said the president takes a keen interest in the welfare of firefighters who protect the lives of the public. "Because this is a matter the president cares deeply about, we will prepare thoroughly and leave nothing unaddressed," he said.
Cho also called on the government to work closely with both the ruling and opposition parties to ensure next year's budget is passed within the legal deadline. "I hope the government will explain the budget fully to all sides and cooperate well," he said. "Going forward, let us communicate frequently for the sake of people's livelihoods and the national interest, and work together to produce tangible results that the public can feel."
Cho said Lim bears the heavy responsibility of steering state affairs under the second term of the Lee Jae Myung administration. "I expect you to faithfully carry out the president's governing philosophy, keep a close eye on public sentiment, contribute to stabilizing state affairs, and serve as a close bridge between the president and the National Assembly," he said.
Lim said the administration had prepared a livelihood budget for the people and a growth budget for the nation's future. "I will do my best to communicate well with the National Assembly and ensure the budget passes smoothly," he said.
bigroot@heraldcorp.com
