Lee Nam-jae Preliminary Candidate “Mask Price Surge, Need for Measures for Vulnerable Groups”

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lee Namjae, a preliminary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea for the National Assembly election in Seo-gu (Eul), Gwangju Metropolitan City, pointed out that urgent measures are needed for vulnerable groups due to the soaring mask prices caused by the spread of the coronavirus.

The candidate stated, “In the recent supplementary budget, the mask supply budget of 32.3 billion KRW for basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty groups, and outdoor workers was cut by 12.9 billion KRW at the request of the Liberty Korea Party, causing this year’s ‘Low-Income Mask Support Project’ to face setbacks,” and emphasized, “Due to the soaring mask prices, vulnerable groups may be exposed to the virus defenselessly, so urgent countermeasures are needed.”

He continued, “Last year, the Liberty Korea Party argued for a full cut of 57.4 billion KRW in the low-income mask supply budget, claiming that ‘there is no scientific basis for masks’ fine dust blocking effect,’” and added, “Through the final revision, 11.4 billion KRW was cut, and in the supplementary budget, 12.9 billion KRW was cut again, calling it a ‘general election event.’”

He also strongly criticized, “Furthermore, the Liberty Korea Party, which insisted on a full cut of the ‘low-income mask supply budget’ during the budget review process in September last year, is now blaming the government and the ruling party and turning it into a political conflict, which is audacious.”

He added, “As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus rapidly increases, bipartisan cooperation for public safety is more urgent than ever,” and “Above all, since detailed measures for vulnerable groups are urgent, I hope the National Assembly will do its best in fulfilling its role.”

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