Democratic Party presidential primary candidates Lee Jae Myung, Kim Kyung Soo, and Kim Dong Yeon stated on the 18th that they agree on the necessity of a large-scale supplementary budget as a measure to overcome the economic crisis.
Democratic Party presidential primary candidates Lee Jae-myung, Kim Kyung-soo, and Kim Dong-yeon are taking a commemorative photo on the 18th at MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, before starting the first TV debate. Photo by Yonhap News
Candidate Lee said during the MBC 100-Minute Debate that evening, "Domestic demand is extremely sluggish. Immediate action is needed to revive local businesses and self-employed individuals in order to boost the domestic market," adding, "A large-scale supplementary budget is, of course, necessary." He further stated, "We need to increase fiscal spending," and explained, "The international diplomatic and trade environment is very unfavorable, so a swift response is required. In the long term, it will be very important to secure industrial competitiveness."
Candidate Kim Dong Yeon said, "First of all, it is necessary to implement a large-scale supplementary budget immediately. I have repeatedly called for a supplementary budget plan of about 30 trillion to 50 trillion won," and added, "The economy is struggling, and support for industries that will drive future growth is needed." He continued, "I believe the most urgent task is to appoint a special economic envoy with full authority, through an agreement among the ruling and opposition parties and the government, and have this person take responsibility for conducting economic negotiations, including tariffs, with the Trump administration in the United States."
Candidate Kim Kyung Soo stated, "I agree with the supplementary budget. However, what is more important is a fundamental solution," emphasizing, "We need to create new growth engines. It is essential to diversify the growth axis currently centered on the Seoul metropolitan area."
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