Ahn Cheol-soo: "Populism Will Deepen Economic Crisis and Inequality Structure"

"Competent Government Needed Before Big Government"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, stated on the 21st, “The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has had a significant impact beyond quarantine measures, affecting human life, lifestyles, and socio-economic aspects,” and pointed out, “Many people are concerned about the prevalence of populism, that is, politics pandering to popularity, as well as the emergence of resource nationalism and food weaponization in areas such as food and energy.”

At the ‘Post COVID-19, Prospects for Changes in Korean Society and Policy Tasks’ forum held at the National Assembly that day, Ahn said, “Populism in politics, unless supported by continuous economic growth, will in the long term deepen the overall economic crisis and inequality structure,” and added, “All citizens must recognize and be vigilant about these issues.”

He emphasized, “Before a big government, a competent and capable government is needed,” and said, “In response to COVID-19, the government should not just try to increase its size. It is essential first to identify incompetent areas and fix the problems.”

He continued, “The actors responding to infectious diseases should not be only the state but the entire citizenry, so that nationalism does not become overwhelming,” and added, “We must remember that behind the positive evaluation of this K-quarantine is the high civic consciousness of our people, preceding the role of the state.”

Ahn stated, “We must strive to ensure that this situation, where the virus receives more attention than people, does not lead to the destruction of human dignity and relationships,” and said, “The social safety net must be made more robust, and communitarianism that allows warm contact even in untact situations must be realized.”

Ahn said, “In April, I proposed the establishment of a ‘Post COVID-19 Strategy Meeting.’ A nationwide, cross-governmental national strategy meeting that transcends party interests and factions is necessary,” and added, “I demand responsible judgment and action from the president, government, and ruling party.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.