Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol is reportedly contemplating having Prime Minister Han Duck-soo deliver the upcoming government-proposed 2025 budget speech on his behalf. A senior presidential secretary, when questioned about the address scheduled for November 4, commented, “Nothing has been decided at the moment,” hinting at the possibility of the prime minister stepping in for the president.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the budget speech is a crucial political act where the president traditionally appears before the legislature to outline the government’s budget plan for the coming year and seek lawmakers’ approval. Historically, presidents delivered the speech themselves during their first year in office, with prime ministers often taking over in subsequent years. This practice faced criticism for being perceived as “disrespectful to the legislature.” In response, President Park Geun-hye began personally delivering the speech in 2013, a tradition that has continued for 11 years.

The president is tasked
with directly explaining the allocation of the 677-trillion-won ($492.2-billion) budget to the people’s representatives, symbolizing the executive branch’s respect for the legislative branch. President Yoon’s hesitation to deliver the speech may stem from anticipated opposition from the majority party. During last year’s budget speech, Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers staged a protest in front of the Assembly’s main chamber, with some wearing black face masks to display their resistance. One lawmaker even told the president to “step down” after he attempted to shake hands. With growing calls for his impeachment, the upcoming speech could be contentious.

Despite these challenges, it is imperative for President Yoon to deliver the speech. Historical precedent shows that past presidents have faced opposition but continued with their addresses. Skipping the speech could harm Yoon’s leadership, especially since he already missed the opening ceremony of the new legislature, a first since the 1987 constitutional ame
ndment.

The Democratic Party is also urged to show respect to the president during this official event, even amidst political disagreements. Maintaining the country’s constitutional order requires mutual respect, which will, in turn, earn lawmakers the public’s respect. Should the opposition overstep during the speech, they risk a strong backlash from the public.