Lee Nak-yeon: "Discussion on 2nd Disaster Relief Fund Should Begin Early Next Week... Based on 'Selective Payment'"

Presidential Election Poll Reversal: "Such Things Always Happen... Will Continue to Do So"
"National Crisis Overcoming Committee Should Be Led Directly by Party Leader"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party and candidate for party leader, stated that discussions on the second round of disaster relief payments should begin next week with a focus on selective distribution. Regarding presidential candidate approval ratings, he said, "Such fluctuations are always happening and will continue to go back and forth."

On the morning of the 28th, Lee appeared on MBC Radio and said, "It is theoretically correct to provide more substantial help to those in more urgent need," adding, "Based on that, I think discussions on the second disaster relief payments should take place early next week." When asked if a conclusion would be reached before Chuseok, he responded, "Regardless of the form it takes, I believe it is natural for livelihood measures to be announced before Chuseok."

Regarding his advocacy for selective payments, unlike the first round of disaster relief payments, he explained, "I thought the same during the first round of payments. However, after discussions, especially given the election situation at the time, both ruling and opposition parties competitively advocated for universal payments. So, universal payments were implemented." He added, "I was present during the final discussions between the party and the President at that time, so I am well aware of the circumstances."

On the issue of Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung overtaking him in presidential candidate approval ratings, he said, "Such things always happen and the ratings go back and forth," adding, "I think it will continue to be that way." When asked if the 'Lee Nak-yeon dominance theory' being shaken would mean his greatest political asset is also shaken, he drew a line by saying, "There is no such thing as dominance." Regarding Lee Jae-myung independently continuing to make statements such as policy proposals via letters, and whether it is appropriate to go through the party, he replied, "I haven't thought deeply about it. I don't think the party needs to dictate how to do it."

Meanwhile, Lee said about the COVID-19 National Crisis Overcoming Committee, currently chaired by Kim Tae-nyeon, the Democratic Party floor leader who succeeded him, "I need to consult with the party, but if I speak my personal opinion, it would be better to properly expand and reorganize the committee and have the party leader directly take charge."

He continued, "Leader Lee Hae-chan suggested reactivating the National Crisis Overcoming Committee, but it doesn't seem to be functioning properly," adding, "The floor leader becomes very busy once the regular National Assembly session begins, and to show the will to overcome the national crisis, closely cooperate with the government, and appeal for public participation, I think it is better for the party leader to take direct charge. I say this because I have done that work for four months."

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