Lee Jae-myung "Will Not Insist on Nationwide Disaster Relief Fund" Changes Position

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is attending an event hosted by a media company held on the 18th in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers.

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on social media (SNS) on the 18th, "I will not insist on nationwide disaster relief payments," and added, "Let's immediately implement whatever can be agreed upon between the ruling and opposition parties." This marks a shift from his previous stance advocating for additional payments to all citizens.

He said, "I will not insist on the target or method of support," and added, "If it is difficult to reach an agreement on nationwide disaster relief payments, urgent support should at least be provided for the damages suffered by small business owners and self-employed individuals." He also said, "Candidate Yoon Seok-youl has mentioned 50 trillion won in support for next year, so I believe the People Power Party will not oppose it. Since this is not about borrowing money, I think the government will agree as well."

Lee stated, "Instead, we must provide the broadest, thickest, and fastest support possible right now," and added, "There are sufficient funds. Additional tax revenue since July this year is said to be 19 trillion won. We should promptly execute immediate support using available resources to the fullest and reflect what needs to be included in next year's budget."

This is interpreted as a choice made in consideration of recent opinion polls showing more negative responses to nationwide support payments and opposition within his party. Lee said, "Discussion on nationwide payments can be reviewed later." He added, "We cannot just argue about whether to scoop water with a bucket or call a fire truck while watching the fire in front of us. If there is a method that can be agreed upon and implemented immediately, it is right to prioritize its implementation."

Lee emphasized, "There is no time to waste on political strife," and urged, "I call on the ruling and opposition parties to come together and quickly prepare support measures even today. It would be great if the ruling and opposition parties could set a good example of practical politics for the people's livelihood."

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