Lee Jae-myung: "Taking from the pockets of the wealthy... Tax hike resistance arises, 20 million won for all citizens instead of 250,000 won for 80% target" Appeal for nationwide disaster relief fund

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, appealed to the ruling party and government to "provide universal disaster relief payments to all citizens."

On the afternoon of the 6th, Governor Lee stated, "Being wealthy is not a crime. Although the rich pay more taxes, excluding them from receiving government disaster relief payments during a crisis is a double discrimination," adding, "The top 20% bear a greater financial burden, but only the bottom 80% receive the payments, which is an unfair practice that goes against the principle of community."

He said, "The Robin Hood-style policy of 'taking from the rich to give to the poor' may provide politicians with moral satisfaction and propaganda effects, but it provokes tax resistance from the majority of society, including the middle class, which negatively impacts welfare expansion," and added, "It is called the 'paradox of redistribution' that the so-called 'Robin Hood policy,' which focuses on supporting vulnerable groups, is actually disadvantageous to them compared to universal support policies known as 'Matthew policies.'"

He continued, "In most welfare-advanced countries, policies that cause conflicts among social members and stigmatize certain groups have become outdated," and pointed out, "This is also why universal welfare, not selective welfare, is the Democratic Party's platform and aspiration."

Regarding the ruling party and government's decision to limit disaster relief payments to the bottom 80% by income, Governor Lee said, "How can we distinguish between the bottom 80% and the 81%?" and added, "The administrative costs of selecting recipients are not insignificant. From the perspective of consoling the citizens who have endured unprecedented inconveniences such as mask-wearing and gathering restrictions due to government policies, excluding only some is unfair."

Governor Lee appealed again to the party and government, saying, "I earnestly ask our Democratic Party and government, which uphold universal welfare as their platform. They say they will provide 250,000 won to the bottom 80% for disaster relief payments, but if the issue is a lack of funds, it is possible to provide 200,000 won to all citizens without discrimination," and added, "Our people will agree to overcome the crisis together without leaving anyone behind rather than damaging the spirit of community."

The Democratic Party plans to finalize the method related to the 5th disaster relief payment as a party resolution at the policy members' meeting on the 7th.

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