Seoul: The presidential state affairs committee is set to form a distinct task force dedicated to government reorganization, aimed at establishing a more competent and effective governmental structure to better tackle key policy objectives, as stated by the committee's chief.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Han-joo, the head of the State Affairs Planning Advisory Committee, made these announcements during the committee's inauguration as a transition team for the Lee Jae-myung administration. The committee is tasked with blueprinting policy initiatives and action plans for the forthcoming five-year term.
In his opening remarks at the launch ceremony, Lee declared, "A separate task force will be formed to develop a well-refined government reorganization plan." The reorganization is intended to decentralize powers and responsibilities, enhance administrative efficiency to bolster South Korea's position as a global leader in artificial intelligence, and reform institutions to better address climate change, among other objectives.
Lee emphasized the importance of discussing various reform agendas, including mid- to long-term tax and fiscal reform plans, and committed to crafting concrete solutions. This initiative comes as President Lee assumed office on June 4, following an early election necessitated by the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol in April.
The 55-member committee, composed of President Lee's close aides, will engage with each ministry on primary policy agendas and budget plans. It aims to develop a roadmap for 100 major policy tasks and establish timelines and goals for each initiative.
Lee Han-joo's statements imply potential alignment with reform plans advocated by the Democratic Party (DP), which has proposed significant changes, including separating the prosecution system's authority over investigations and indictments, reallocating budget planning responsibilities from the finance ministry, and consolidating two financial watchdogs into a single ministry-level entity.
President Lee also campaigned on creating a ministry for climate and energy. On Monday, Lee Han-joo committed to swiftly setting the new government's direction and key policy initiatives, ensuring consistent progress on long-term goals, such as addressing climate change.
The launch event featured the unveiling of the official plaque and the distribution of appointment certificates to the committee's leadership. Alongside Lee, the deputy chiefs include Kim Yong-beom, Jin Sung-joon, and Bang Ki-sun.
The committee will encompass seven sectoral subcommittees, covering state affairs planning, the economy, social issues, political and administrative matters, and foreign and security affairs. It will operate under a 60-day legal mandate, with a possible extension of up to 20 days, and a white paper detailing its outcomes is required within 30 days of completing its activities.