North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a surprise speech on “the orientation of state work” to fix “backward” economic conditions, build more nuclear weapons and improve party member obedience on Monday, according to state media, marking the 76th founding anniversary of the DPRK.

Kim once again called for expanding the scope of the “Regional Development 20×10 Policy” and made a point to address North Koreans with a “skeptical attitude,” suggesting authorities have struggled to convince the population that the big plans will truly “transform” the country as the leader has promised.

He asked top officials who gathered in