People Power Party: "President Moon's 4th Anniversary Speech Lacked Reflection... A Major Shift in National Policy Direction Is Needed" (Comprehensive)

"Can't tell if they are talking about achievements or wishes"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the 10th, the People Power Party harshly criticized President Moon Jae-in's 4th anniversary inaugural speech and press conference, saying it "showed a difference in perception so great that it is hard to believe they live under the same sky as the people."

Bae Jun-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, pointed out that regarding the president's listed achievements such as the speed of economic recovery and herd immunity status, "the public cannot distinguish whether he is talking about 'achievements' or 'hopes.'

He continued, "The macroeconomic indicators such as exports and facility investments, as well as the performance of the shipbuilding and semiconductor industries that the president boasted about, were entirely accomplished by the private sector," and criticized, "It is embarrassing that the government is taking credit for achievements unrelated to it."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Bae said, "There was no reflection that the people wanted to hear anywhere," and criticized, "Our people, listening to a self-congratulatory speech full of 'Isn't this administration doing reasonably well?' are at a loss for words."

Regarding the mention of the need to improve the personnel hearing system, he said, "When you were in the opposition, did you raise your voice against hearing candidates? Why have you not made efforts to improve the system until now?" and warned, "If the nominations of three unsuitable minister candidates are not withdrawn, there will be a national judgment on this."

Spokesperson Bae said, "The Moon Jae-in administration was born like the moonwalk, shining with the reflective benefit of the candlelight public sentiment," and added, "For the past four years, the Moon administration has done the Moonwalk (Moonwalk; a dance that actually moves backward but looks like moving forward). Now, even in the remaining one year, it must truly move forward." He urged, "To do so, it is essential to listen to the voices of the opposition and the people and boldly review policies to change the direction of state affairs," and ordered, "The government must come to its senses and make a major shift in governance."

Spokesperson Bae rhetorically asked, "Isn't there still a year left?" and said, "It is, in a way, enough time to fix things."

Jeon Ju-hye, the People Power Party floor spokesperson, also criticized the 4th anniversary speech in a separate comment as "a public declaration to continue arrogance and stubbornness."

Regarding COVID-19 response, Floor Spokesperson Jeon said, "Other countries that quickly secured vaccines and increased vaccination rates are recovering a mask-free daily life before COVID," while mentioning, "Our country is in a situation where it is uncertain whether vaccines can be administered or when everyone can be vaccinated due to vaccine supply imbalance and instability." He pointedly asked, "Have you seen the survey results that 'the vaccine policy seen by the people scores 55 out of 100, and only 1 out of 10 people believe in achieving herd immunity by November'?"

Regarding income-led growth, he criticized it as a "failed policy" citing the closures and unemployment of self-employed people.

Floor Spokesperson Jeon stated, "The speech once again confirmed that if the president's perception of reality differs from the level felt by the people, no change in the national policy direction can be expected."