Lee Jae-myung: "Cutting national support because elderly couples live together is unfilial... Couple reduction in basic pension must be abolished"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, condemned the basic pension couple reduction as "unfilial" on the 28th, arguing that the couple reduction should be abolished and the budget expanded.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Lee said, "The basic pension couple reduction system must be abolished," criticizing it as an "inhumane system." He pointed out, "When people reach the age and qualify to receive the basic pension, if a couple lives together, the amount is reduced," adding, "There are reportedly many cases where people deliberately divorce falsely. Cutting national support just because elderly couples live together is an unfilial budget."

He said, "(The amendment) cannot be done by the Democratic Party alone," but added, "If the law is amended and the budget for tax cuts for the wealthy is reduced, it amounts to only about 1.6 trillion won, so if there is the will, the basic pension couple reduction for the elderly can be abolished at any time."

Lee also said, "As budgets for senior jobs and public jobs are cut, anxiety is growing on the front lines," emphasizing, "We must definitely revive them." Regarding local currency, he stated, "I will also make efforts to ensure it can definitely be reinstated."