Lee Nak-yeon "Let's Postpone Disaster Relief Fund Discussions Until After This Week... We Must Focus on Quarantine Measures as Much as Possible"

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Nak-yeon, a candidate for the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed the position of "postponing the discussion on the second disaster relief fund until after the containment of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)."

On the afternoon of the 24th, Lee stated in his 'Position on Disaster Relief Fund' that "Now is the time to focus on overcoming COVID-19," and "I hope the discussion on the disaster relief fund payment will be postponed until after COVID-19 is contained."

Regarding the payment recipients, he said, "I think it is appropriate to provide differentiated support to help those in difficulty more substantially. During the first payment this spring, there was a similar discussion, but due to concerns about administrative preparation and public acceptance, full payment was chosen."

On the timing of the disaster relief fund discussion, Lee reiterated in his message, "This week will be a turning point in deciding whether to raise social distancing to level 3," and "I hope the discussion on the disaster relief fund will focus on quarantine efforts until the end of this week and be postponed thereafter."

Lee's office explained, "Since this week is a turning point for the spread of COVID-19, the meaning is to prioritize quarantine efforts first," and "The message was partially revised to clarify the timing."

Meanwhile, discussions on the timing and recipients of the second disaster relief fund are ongoing within the ruling party.

Jin Seong-jun, chairman of the Democratic Party's Strategic Planning Committee, appeared on MBC radio this morning and said, "The rapid increase in COVID-19 spread to the extent that level 3 social distancing needs to be considered clearly indicates that there will be groups severely affected to the point of livelihood difficulties," and "I think it is time for the political circle to urgently review the issue of the second disaster relief fund payment." Jin also expressed a specific position that payments should be selectively made to households below the median income.

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said at the morning Supreme Council meeting, "We will strengthen bold liquidity support for companies, small business owners, and self-employed individuals." Lee Jae-myung, governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated on the 21st amid the COVID-19 resurgence crisis, "We must hasten the payment of the second disaster basic income," and "It is appropriate to provide about 300,000 won per person in local currency to all citizens."

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