Lee Jae-myung on the "Restaurant Total Quantity System": "Not planning immediate implementation, but some consideration is needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate who has begun to concretely reveal policy plans such as the "four-day workweek" and the "total quota system for restaurant permits," stated on the 28th that "I believe it is necessary to increase the number of jobs and enhance productivity through the reduction of working hours." The Democratic Party plans to kick off the candidate's presidential pledges and related legislation immediately after the launch of the election campaign committee on the 2nd of next month.

However, regarding the "total quota system for restaurants," he said, "It is not something to be implemented immediately, but I think it is worth considering." He added, "It did not mean that it would be introduced as a national policy, publicized, pledged, and implemented."

On the morning of the same day, Lee attended the 'RoboWorld' exhibition held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and said, "There is a need to change the quality of life towards working less and producing sufficiently." He added, "Reducing working hours is an important value for improving quality of life, innovation, and restoring fairness. If the reduction continues steadily, it will naturally lead to the introduction of the four-day workweek."

The day before, Lee also expressed his intention during a meeting with small business owners and self-employed individuals, saying, "I am also considering operating a total quota system for restaurant permits." When this remark sparked controversy mainly among opposition parties, Lee explained by citing regulations such as restrictions on gas stations and tobacco shops, saying, "A key role of public officials is to ensure that community members do not fall into traps and that society can grow and develop." He added, "Freedom and neglect must be distinguished. We must not neglect risks in the name of freedom." Nevertheless, he said, "It is not something to be implemented immediately. I think it is worth considering."

Democratic Party spokesperson and lawmaker Shin Hyun-young said to reporters after the policy coordination meeting on the same day, "The party is actively reviewing (the four-day workweek pledge, total quota system for restaurants, etc.) and will see how to implement them." She added, "The candidate is making efforts to build consensus on legislation and budget through multiple meetings with the party." Meanwhile, Lee will have lunch and tea meetings with lawmakers Park Yong-jin and Kim Du-kwan, who competed with him in the Democratic Party primary, in the afternoon.

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