Lee Withdraws 'Nationwide Support Fund'.. ruling party says "Realistic and Flexible Decision" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Koo Chae-eun, Jeon Jin-young] On the 18th, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, indicated a de facto withdrawal by stating, "I will not insist on universal disaster relief payments." This comes just 20 days after he began pushing for universal support payments on the 29th of last month. Facing opposition from both the government and opposition parties, as well as lukewarm public support, he appears to have abruptly changed his stance. Although the party leadership increased pressure by mentioning a state audit, the Ministry of Economy and Finance maintained its opposition, highlighting the burden of the emerging conflict between the party and the government.

On the same day, Lee stated on Facebook, "It's regrettable. However, there is no time to quarrel over each other's claims," and added, "I will not insist on the target and method of support." He explained, "The opposition party opposes the payment of universal disaster relief funds. The government also expresses reluctance due to budgetary structural difficulties such as establishing new budget items," and said, "If consensus is difficult, urgent support should at least be provided for the damages suffered by small business owners and self-employed individuals. Discussions on universal disaster relief payments can be reviewed later."

Lee emphasized, "We must provide the thickest, broadest, and fastest support possible now. There are sufficient resources," and stated, "Local currency issuance should exceed this year's total amount (21 trillion won)." He also said, "The minimum amount for small business loss compensation (currently 100,000 won) should be significantly raised," and added, "For high-risk industries with personnel restrictions, support should be provided immediately using excess tax revenue, and it should be reflected in next year's budget." He urged, "We cannot just argue about whether to carry water with a bucket or call a fire truck while seeing the fire in front of us," and called for bipartisan agreement, saying, "If there is a method that can be agreed upon and implemented immediately, it is right to prioritize its implementation."

Within the party, Lee's decision is being interpreted as a "realistic judgment" and "demonstration of flexibility." Park Wan-joo, the Policy Committee Chair, said at an emergency press conference that day, "The intention is to have the ruling and opposition parties agree on urgent matters and implement what is possible first," and added, "It means agreeing and spending for small business owners in urgent need on the ground. Although perspectives may differ, it shows the candidate's realistic judgment." Jeong Seong-ho, a lawmaker considered one of Lee's closest aides, wrote on Facebook, "While philosophy and principles are clear, the policy execution was flexibly adapted to the current conditions," and said, "I applaud this decision made solely for the people."

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