Lee Nak-yeon New Year's Address "Active Fiscal Role... Alleviating Social Conflicts"

Published 31 Dec.2020 18:14(KST)

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, along with other party leaders, are attending the 2020 Central Party Office Ontact Closing Ceremony held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the 31st, performing a picket performance. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized the 'active role of fiscal policy' and 'alleviation of social conflicts' in his New Year's address on the 31st.

Leader Lee stated, "We had already entered an era of transition. COVID-19 has accelerated this transition," adding, "Transition brings confusion and anxiety. Now, with COVID-19 striking, the confusion and anxiety are even greater."

He continued, "In the new year, we must 'recover' from the wounds of COVID-19 and make a new 'start.' We will control COVID-19 by gaining the solidarity and cooperation of the people," and said, "We will revive livelihoods through the active role of fiscal policy. We will help businesses and propel the economy to a new leap forward."

He presented the recovery of livelihoods and economic leap as the top priorities. At the same time, he emphasized reforms for the maturation of democracy. Leader Lee said, "We will alleviate social conflicts and achieve national unity. We will do our best to realize 'progress' and 'integration.'"

He also stressed, "We will start a greater leap beyond COVID-19. We will bring forward the day when all citizens can take off their masks and regain their daily lives."

Below is the full text of Leader Lee Nak-yeon's New Year's address.

<2021 New Year's Address>

The painful year 2020 has passed, and 2021 has dawned. Unfortunately, the new year began amid worries rather than hope. We must endure a little longer. It pains me that we have not been able to ease the suffering of the people.

We had already entered an era of transition. COVID-19 has made this transition steeper. Transition brings confusion and anxiety. Now, with COVID-19 striking, the confusion and anxiety are even greater.

However, we cannot turn back because of confusion and anxiety. We must overcome confusion and anxiety and move forward. We must not retreat. We must advance. We will advance together with the people.

First, in the new year, we must 'recover' from the wounds of COVID-19 and make a new 'start.' We will control COVID-19 by gaining the solidarity and cooperation of the people. We will revive livelihoods through the active role of fiscal policy. We will help businesses and propel the economy to a new leap forward. We will prioritize the recovery of livelihoods and economic leap. We will strongly continue the reforms for the maturation of democracy that we have been pursuing.

On that foundation, we will boldly advance toward the future of digital and green. We will wisely create a future with a human face. To do so, we will gain cooperation and participation from all sectors. We will alleviate social conflicts and achieve national unity. We will do our best to realize 'progress' and 'integration.'

We are a people strong in crisis. We have overcome countless crises to come this far. In just two or three generations, we achieved industrialization and democratization. We transformed from a country receiving aid to a country providing aid. Such achievements of the Republic of Korea are a unique miracle in the world.

With that strength, we succeeded in K-quarantine. Although livelihoods are still difficult, the national economy, including exports, performed well. I salute the people. I thank the workers and businesspeople. Because of such citizens, the new year's 'recovery' and 'start' will also succeed.

Let us gather our strength again. Let us understand and embrace each other and build a first-class nation where we all prosper together. Let us create a warm society that supports the common people and restores the middle class. Let us build a vibrant economy that encourages the spirit of entrepreneurs and the challenges of youth. I will devote myself to that work.

The new year will be a year of 'recovery' and 'start.' We will begin a greater leap beyond COVID-19. We will bring forward the day when all citizens can take off their masks and regain their daily lives. I will do my utmost to make that happen.

Please join us. Happy New Year.

Lee Nak-yeon, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea