Good morning, fellow Koreans,

 
Taxes are commonly referred to as “blood taxes,” money paid with the sweat and blood of the people. The word also implies that tax money must not be wasted but must be used with special care.

With this understanding etched deep in my mind, I have aimed at saving 10 percent of the budget from the beginning of the new Administration. To achieve this goal, I have been striving to downsize government organizations and spend the government budget more efficiently.

 
In the face of the unprecedented economic crisis, however, the Government had to employ more proactive fiscal spending policies, and it has been taking bold, preemptive measures in a bid to boost the effect of such policies. The Government has had to increase liquidity in the market to revive the economy and preserve jobs.

 
In this context, a large-scale supplementary budget has been drawn up focusing on job creation. The Government is increasing its fiscal spending in an effort to create jobs and take care of ordinary citizens, thereby resuscitating the sagging economy as quickly as possible. This precious money disbursed by the Government is what citizens paid with their sweat and blood. In that sense, it should be understood as a solemn public mandate to use tax money in a transparent and efficient fashion.

 
Lately, several audits revealed some misappropriation of welfare subsidies intended for the aid of our neighbors in need. Some civil servants were lining their pockets with money that was supposed to reach senior citizens, low-income families and the physically challenged.

 
It is truly shameful. Public servants should serve the people with a selfless attitude thinking that, “I’m sorry I can’t help enough.” It is totally beyond my understanding how public officials could commit such an act.

 
I have always regarded the waste of the budget by government officials as a crime just like tax evasion. Moreover, embezzlement of money intended for the neediest is tantamount to an unforgivable felony.

 
Those civil servants who make mistakes while working hard will be generously treated, but those who intentionally commit wrongdoings will be harshly punished as an example to others. Embezzlers will be tracked down and forced to pay back twice the money they stole. The names of public officials who are responsible for budget disbursement will be disclosed so that they will be held accountable to the end.

 
In addition, the Government will work to put together the scattered fragments of information and craft a multi-layered screening system. Working-level public officials will be reassigned on a regular, rotating basis to prevent them from staying in one position for too long. 

 
I understand that Cheong Wa Dae has received some complaints about the problems in the social welfare delivery system. A mother living in Seoul applied to a welfare program for lunch money for her children, but she was told that it would take as long as a month just to check if she was eligible or not.

 
In another case, a mother and her daughter were denied welfare just because they owned an old, beat-up van. Many other people voiced concern saying that state funds must not be recklessly squandered in the name of welfare.

 
I will make sure that the welfare delivery system will be overhauled so that government money will promptly reach the people it is supposed to help and will not be wasted unnecessarily. The right way to solve the problem is to meet the real demands of the people at the grass-root level. I will see to it that ministers and government officials at all levels will listen to what the people have to say about their difficulties and take action more carefully.

 
A small number of corrupt officials notwithstanding, many public servants and about 60,000 social welfare workers are working very hard even without taking weekends off. 

 
In addition, countless government officials are visiting every nook and corner of communities from early morning till late at night to take care of their neighbors in need with a sense of mission even in the face of unfavorable conditions. They serve them as if they were their own parents and children. As President, I would like to extend my appreciation and encouragement to those government officials.

 
My fellow citizens,

 
When the economy goes into decline, it is low-income families that suffer first and the most.

 
The Government will exert great effort to help those who are going through difficult times. The Government came up with a supplementary budget to be executed promptly as it cannot bear to see Koreans collapsing under the weight of the burden on their shoulders.

The top priority of the supplementary budget this time has been placed on job creation. A total of 550,000 new jobs will be created and 930,000 people will benefit from such programs as job sharing and job training.

 
On top of this, about 2.6 million people will additionally receive support for their daily lives. Recipients include those who are in a dire situation as they have either been laid off or forced to close their small businesses as well as senior citizens who cannot work and people with physical disabilities who have lost opportunities to work. 

 
Providing jobs is the best welfare policy of all. It can be said that helping people to make a living by working constitutes a way to defend human dignity. 

 
Against this backdrop, the top policy goals of my Administration are, first, to create jobs and, second, to create more jobs. The Government is doing its utmost to create even just one additional job and to make sure that a single job is not lost.

 
The biggest amount of fiscal spending in history will be carried out this year. A considerable portion of the money will be disbursed by front-line officials while mayors and the heads of county and district offices will assume the responsibility for overseeing the process.  

 
I believe that many public officials are doing a good job. Still, I hope all mayors and heads of county and district offices across the nation will do their utmost to provide every resident in need with substantial aid. Residents will be greatly encouraged and reinvigorated when they are shown caring concern together with material aid.

 
I will micromanage things so that not even one won will be wasted, be it from the welfare budget or the supplementary budget.

 
As if irrigating a dry rice paddy, the Central and local governments will work very hard and join forces to make sure that the funds reach people who are desperately in need in a swift and accurate manner. By doing so, we will guarantee that the taxpayer’s precious money will serve as priming water that revitalizes the declining economy and helps our neighbors.

 
My fellow citizens,

 
Nations across the world are now paying keen attention to Korea’s preemptive and resolute endeavors. My Administration and I will not spare any effort over the years to come. I am convinced that Korea will be able to steer itself out of the current crisis faster than any other nation.  

 
That was the assessment of leaders of other nations and numerous foreign experts whom I have met. Let us muster our strength once again trusting in the great potential of Koreans who can turn a crisis into an opportunity.

 
I wish all of you a new week filled with vibrant energy and positive thinking.

 
Thank you very much.

 
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