Interior ministry convenes council to discuss Chuseok safety and social economy measures

The interior ministry held its seventh Central-Local Policy Council on Friday to coordinate nationwide measures for a safe and stable Chuseok holiday. Minister Yoon Ho-joong chaired the meeting at the Seoul Government Complex, where officials discussed price stability, disaster response protocols, and implementation plans for recent legislation.

To ensure public stability, the council designated September 11 to 27 as a special period for price stabilization efforts led by a dedicated task force. Authorities plan joint on-site inspections across central and local jurisdictions and a volunteer campaign from September 14 to 23. The government will also support local economies by increasing discount rates and raising purchase limits for regional love gift certificates.

Safety management will be strengthened as traffic volumes and crowds at traditional markets are expected to surge. The ministry will maintain a 24-hour situation management system connecting its disaster safety headquarters with relevant agencies and local governments for immediate responses to emergencies.

Participants reviewed follow-up measures for the Social Solidarity Economy Basic Act enacted earlier this month ahead of its March implementation next year. The interior ministry committed to preparing subordinate statutes and monitoring the comprehensive development plan announced in June. Local governments agreed to expand dedicated departments and personnel, establish regional committees, and revise ordinances to help the policy take root.

The council addressed the need for broader distribution of standalone smoke detectors in older housing. Other ministries urged local authorities to prepare budgets for expanded child support allowances scheduled for July 2027 and to rationalize ordinances regarding poultry farming density improvements.

Yoon stressed the importance of comprehensive cooperation between central and local administrations under the shared goal of an irreplaceable Korea. He expressed gratitude to public officials working on heat wave and flood recovery efforts while wishing citizens a comfortable holiday.