Yoon Hee-sook: "Lee Jae-myung is devouring basic income... Increase in civil servant numbers is a problem"

Yoon Hee-sook, Member of the People Power Party (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Yoon Hee-sook, a presidential candidate from the opposition People Power Party, criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, saying he is "devouring basic income." She also pointed out the significant increase in the number of public officials under the current administration as a problem.

On the 21st, during a lecture at the party's freshman lawmakers' meeting called "Myeongbulheojeon Conservative," Yoon referred to the ruling party's presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, saying, "Lee Jae-myung is devouring basic income," adding, "That is because it is an illogical concept." During the lecture, Yoon omitted Lee's official title and referred to him simply as "Lee Jae-myung."

Yoon said, "When we gathered after the crushing defeat in last year's general election, not only us but also conservative commentators outside the party said the defeat was due to losing the money battle," and added, "Outside commentators advised us not to be stubborn and to first implement the basic income that Lee Jae-myung talks about. But looking back after a year, what do we see?"

She continued, "The problem is that we are a party without money. We do not hold the keys to the treasury," explaining, "The moment you engage in a money-giving battle, it is a game you will lose 100%."

Yoon also mentioned the "small government theory," criticizing the increase in the number of public officials under the current government. She said, "I think it is right to criticize because the number increased without additional functions. When the number of public officials increases, it not only wastes money but also creates unnecessary tasks," adding, "Recently, the small government theory has been discussed, and the argument is something we (People Power Party) provocatively brought up. There remains a part that needs to be well conveyed during the primary process."

She then emphasized, "When the number of public officials and the size of the government increase, it plays a role in interfering with and constraining the market," stressing, "The government should be one that performs its duties well. It is not about increasing the overall size or the number of ministries."

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