Lee Yong "Yoon, Hasn't Engaged in Politics So Far... Must Stabilize National Debt and Consider the People's Sentiments"

Amid mounting demands for 'reform' of the government ruling party following the defeat in the Gangseo District Mayor by-election, President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his determination for reform, stating that "the people are always right." In this context, Lee Yong, a pro-Yoon (친윤) member of the People Power Party, suggested the possibility of expansive fiscal policies for the livelihood of the people in the future, saying, "It seems President Yoon has not been involved in politics until now."

On the 19th, Lee said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' "It seems the president has only emphasized the principle of politics."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He expressed regret, saying, "Under the principle that if we proceed correctly according to law and principles, the economy of our country will automatically develop, the president has continued overseas visits to revive the economy and even called himself the number one salesperson. Because he insisted on this principled stance, I feel he may have failed to understand the people's feelings."

The day before, President Yoon held a meeting with his aides at the Yongsan Presidential Office and said, "The people are always right," and "We must not make excuses in the face of any criticism," according to a briefing by Chief Public Relations Officer Kim Eun-hye. This was an expression of his will for 'reform.' Lee evaluated, "Regarding the defeat in the Gangseo District Mayor election, we clearly acknowledge it and now it only seems to mean that we will run toward the people."

Lee predicted that President Yoon will pursue politics focusing more on the livelihood of the people rather than 'national fiscal stability' going forward. He said, "The previous administration left a debt of 400 trillion won, and the national debt increased by more than 1,000 trillion won. Initially, the idea was to repay that debt and stabilize national finances for the youth and future generations. But after the recent election defeat, looking at the people overall, it seems the people are more interested in having their feelings understood rather than those issues."

When asked by the host if this means there could be 'money spending' ahead of next year's general election, Lee said, "Looking at next year's budget, we have cut R&D projects and reduced national subsidies. I think there was quite a bit of public dissatisfaction about that. Now, while stabilizing the national debt, I believe we need to also consider the feelings of the people."

In response to the host's assessment that "It seems there could be active expansive fiscal policies next year," Lee replied, "Yes, that's right."

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