Lee Jae-myung: "Poll Reversal Seems to Reflect New Expectations from the People"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, commented on June 13 about a public opinion poll showing the United Future Party leading the Democratic Party of Korea in approval ratings, saying, "It seems the people are expecting something new."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After the 'Policy Forum for the Introduction of a Fair Procurement System' held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that morning, Lee told reporters, "It seems the people are expecting something new. Politics should always respect the will of the people and improve their lives," adding, "I see it as a whip urging us to make more efforts."

When asked by reporters, "What do you think is the biggest cause of the drop in approval ratings?" he replied, "I think the biggest influence is the real estate issue." Regarding ways to close the gap in approval ratings, he said, "We need to make the public understand that it was an unavoidable measure to maintain real estate and economic order and the national community."

On policies such as strengthening the comprehensive real estate tax, he emphasized, "If tax increases are seen merely as a means to maintain real estate order, it could cause misunderstandings. However, if basic income and local currency are provided as a stimulus for economic recovery, tax resistance can be significantly eased."

Lee added, "When implementing strong measures like tax increases or regulations targeting the entire population, delicate and substantial consideration is necessary to minimize pain," and continued, "In the long run, it will ultimately lead us on the right path. Positive effects should be realized."

Regarding the United Future Party including basic income in their new party platform, he evaluated, "In fact, the basic income issue is not so much a welfare policy of the progressive camp but an economic policy based on growth," calling it "very timely." He further expressed, "I hope the Democratic Party will also swiftly promote basic income as a major policy," warning, "If mishandled, a situation similar to when the Democratic Party hesitated over the basic pension while the United Future Party boldly introduced it and gained electoral benefits could unfold."