Lee Jun-seok: "Conservative Parties Lag 20 Years Behind on Economy and Security Views"

Reasons for the Departure of the 20s and 30s Generations Are Due to Policy Direction
Criticism of the Withdrawn '69-Hour Debate'

Lee Jun-seok, former leader of the People Power Party and author of the book The Irresistible Future of Lee Jun-seok, met with readers in Suwon and said, "The established conservatives like to use the word 'freedom,' but they find it difficult to uphold it." Lee released this book, which contains his policy vision and ideas for the future of conservative parties, on the 6th.

On the 18th, Lee said, "While talking about corporate creativity and freedom, there is active discussion about the freedom to dismiss employees, but often there is stinginess when it comes to new businesses created with creativity."

He continued, "When you ask politicians what their agenda is to develop the economy, they usually have none and just say they will do better. Meanwhile, what follows are security debates like anti-North Korea rhetoric, and the conservative view on economy and security feels 20 to 30 years behind."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also mentioned labor unions. He said, "According to opinion polls, most people who say the world would be better without unions are retirees or unemployed. Those who are actually working voice opinions different from the government's direction. How to accept this issue is a challenge for conservatives."

He added, "The reason many in their 20s and 30s, who had recently joined the conservative camp, have left is because of the policy direction after the government took power. What 2030s want are quality jobs and work-life balance, but under this government, policies related to these are not memorable."

Before the main event, during a Q&A session with the press, he also criticized the recently withdrawn '69-hour debate.'

Lee said, "The labor movement over the past several decades or centuries has focused on reducing working hours and improving human efficiency and productivity. If the proposal was to increase working hours, it seems to reflect the thoughts of capitalists more than the general public."