Young Future Party Holds Second Debate Session
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The 'Young Future Party,' a group of members in their 30s and 40s within the United Future Party, officially began discussions on basic income on the 29th.
United Future Party lawmakers Yoo Ui-dong and Oh Shin-hwan held a debate titled "Basic Income: An Alternative or a Disaster for Korean Society?" at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that day. This debate was the second following "Talking about the 21st General Election! Lost Conservative Politics, What is the Solution?"
Lawmaker Yoo said, "With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, there are structural changes economically and socially, including the reorganization of industries and changes in the employment market. Discussions on basic income seem to be rapidly expanding as part of how we can respond to these changes." He added, "Regardless of pros and cons, I hope this serves as a starting point to gather the party's opinions while we consider how to prepare and refine such measures for the future."
Lawmaker Oh stated, "The issue of basic income has become heated following the COVID-19 crisis," and added, "I believe it is necessary to redefine the key issues and concepts fundamentally and have intense discussions within our party."
Professor Choi Han-soo of Kyungpook National University cited Finland's basic income case, saying, "(It is) the agenda of the conservative government in Finland," and emphasized, "This should not be misunderstood as a proposal to reduce unemployment benefits. Rather than shrinking welfare programs, it aims to enhance efficiency."
Professor Choi said, "Conservative politics must provide answers on how to intervene in problems created by new forms of production such as AI," and added, "It is appropriate to decide your stance on basic income after considering how to reform Korea's welfare system." He further mentioned that conclusions on basic income should be drawn after deciding ▲ whether to operate welfare systems by life cycle or employment type, ▲ which existing welfare programs to replace and which to include in basic income, and ▲ what position to take on tax increases.
Earlier, Kim Jong-in, the United Future Party's emergency committee chairman, said at a nationwide organizational chairpersons' meeting held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 27th, "Basic income is not something to be done carelessly," and added, "We need to understand how complex the procedures are before discussing it."
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