[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Yong Hye-in, the floor leader of the Basic Income Party, proposed on the 7th a 'Basic Income Joint Meeting' attended by the seven parliamentary parties to specifically discuss the introduction of basic income, which has emerged as a hot topic in the political sphere.
Yong held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day and said, "Now, the political circle must move beyond using basic income as a mere issue or empty promise and concretely prepare a blueprint."
He emphasized, "Since the remarks of Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, basic income has become an important policy issue positively acknowledged by both ruling and opposition parties, conservatives and progressives alike. Amid the spread of the COVID-19 crisis and the unavoidable industrial structural upheaval called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, what we need is not a 'dam' to temporarily block urgent water flows by creating a few jobs, but a massive 'ark' to float above an unprecedented great flood."
Yong said, "Despite various practical difficulties such as securing funding, the reason why the 21st National Assembly must earnestly discuss the introduction of a basic income system with all members putting their heads together is because it concerns the people's livelihood and the future. To create a proper policy that protects our economy and industry, connects technological advancement to prosperity, reduces the national burden, and improves quality of life, the role of the seven parliamentary parties constituting the 21st National Assembly is more important than ever," he added.
He proposed, "The leaders of the seven parliamentary parties should hold a Basic Income Joint Meeting to jointly create a concrete execution direction and policy roadmap, including the timing and scope of universal basic income payments, funding plans, public deliberation, and consultation processes. Let us build cooperation centered on policy alternatives, not political strife bound by the past or nominal cooperation in name only."
Starting next week, Yong plans to officially propose this to the leaders and floor leaders of the seven parliamentary parties: the Democratic Party of Korea, United Future Party, Justice Party, People’s Party, Open Democratic Party, and Transition Korea.
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