[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Jeong Se-gyun, a leading presidential candidate from the ruling party and former Prime Minister, urged decisive action on constitutional amendment, basic income, and the postponement of the primary election on the 9th. Jeong also targeted Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, saying, “We need to decide whether basic income can be adopted as the party’s official stance.”
At a discussion hosted by the Korea Newspaper and Broadcasting Editors Association held at the Seoul Press Center that day, Jeong said the party must clarify its position on the three major issues?basic income, constitutional amendment, and the primary election schedule?to secure the continuation of the administration.
Regarding basic income, he emphasized, “Regardless of who becomes the presidential candidate, this is a matter of the standards and principles of our party’s platform and policies.”
He continued, “The biggest problem with basic income is the lack of funding measures, and it does not contribute to reducing income inequality. It is a policy with poor cost-effectiveness,” criticizing the proposal.
On constitutional amendment, he said, “Although consensus in the National Assembly failed due to the political interests of certain parties, the party must organize its stance on promoting constitutional amendment,” and proposed “holding the presidential election and constitutional referendum simultaneously next year.”
Regarding calls from both inside and outside the party to postpone the primary election, he raised his voice, saying, “The storm of change initiated by the opposition party is casting a shadow over the Democratic Party’s efforts to continue the administration,” and added, “Healthy communication and discussion within the party are necessary regarding the best timing and method for securing the continuation of the administration.”
When asked what he would do if a faction like the 'Jeongppa'?similar to the 'Moonppa,' the strong supporters of President Moon Jae-in?emerged, he replied, “I would like to have a Jeongppa. I am hungry right now.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
