PPP to Push for 250,000?500,000 Won Prepaid Cards for Basic Livelihood and Near-Poor Recipients Through Supplementary Budget
by Choi Yuri
Published 28 Feb.2025 09:35(KST)
Updated 28 Feb.2025 12:59(KST)
"Democratic Party's Supplementary Budget Is Nothing More Than Vote-Buying with Taxpayers' Money"
The People Power Party announced on February 28 that it would seek to provide prepaid cards worth 250,000 to 500,000 won per person to basic livelihood security recipients and the near-poor through a supplementary budget.
Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at a party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "Strengthening the spending power of those in the most difficult circumstances is the truest form of economic and welfare policy."
He added, "While we agree on the need for a supplementary budget, our principles and direction are clear. We must use the taxes collected from the hard work and sweat of the people efficiently. We need to provide a robust safety net for vulnerable groups and revitalize the stagnant economy."
Ahead of the government policy consultation meeting that afternoon, the party also drew a clear line against the Democratic Party's approach to the supplementary budget. Kwon said, "The Democratic Party's push for a supplementary budget that would provide 250,000 won in local gift certificates to every citizen is the most political and inefficient policy. Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung constantly invokes the 'tax the rich' rhetoric, yet proposes to give 250,000 won even to the ultra-wealthy. This is nothing more than deceiving the public and using taxpayers' money to buy votes."
Kwon continued, "On the other hand, direct support for basic livelihood security recipients and the near-poor, who truly need help, is different. The support funds given to them translate into spending and provide real help in improving their livelihoods." He added, "If a supplementary budget is to be implemented, we will prepare one that truly serves the people. The People Power Party will fully live up to its responsibility to genuinely support the people."
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