Presidential Office: "Priority Support for Heating Costs to Low-Income Citizens... Middle Class Also Under Consideration"

Sung Il-jong, Policy Committee Chair, Provides Additional Explanation on Statement "Supporting the Middle Class May Be Difficult"

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] On the 9th, the Presidential Office stated that the government is "continuing to review" the plan to expand heating cost support to the middle class. This explanation came after Seong Il-jong, the Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, appeared on a radio show that morning and made remarks suggesting that "government support for heating costs for the middle class may be difficult." It indicates that detailed discussions on the scope and plan of support are underway.

A key official from the Presidential Office met with reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office that afternoon and said, "There is a goal in policy, and there are things currently possible and things possible over time." The official also emphasized, "Priority is given to supporting the most vulnerable low-income citizens."

That morning, Policy Committee Chairman Seong appeared on MBC Radio's Kim Jong-bae's Focus and spoke to the effect that government support for heating costs for the middle class may be difficult. Seong said, "So far, it is true that the Ministry of Economy and Finance has expressed reluctance," adding, "The party has conveyed that it would be good to expand support to the middle class and has held several consultations. However, due to various concerns about government finances, a compromise has not yet been reached."

Earlier, on the 30th of last month, President Yoon Seok-yeol instructed at the Senior Secretary Meeting to devise measures to alleviate the heating cost burden for the middle class and low-income citizens.