Expanding Top-Priority Housing Allocations for Newlyweds
Raising Official Senior Age to 70... Pension Reform to Be Pursued
Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu and a presidential hopeful for the People Power Party, said on the 21st that he hopes Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister, will "step down quickly and join the party."
After presenting his vision for welfare policy at his presidential campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, Hong told reporters, "During a presidential election, anyone is needed," expressing this view.
Kwon Youngse, interim leader of the People Power Party, previously announced that the party would "open its doors wide" and accept applications for reinstatement from those who had temporarily left the party or joined other political parties.
In response, Hong commented, "During a presidential election, even a carrying pole is needed," adding, "I have absolutely no intention of opposing (their return to the party)."
Regarding Kwon's remark about relocating the National Assembly to Sejong, Hong said, "If we establish a bicameral system through constitutional amendment, it would be appropriate for the House of Representatives, which works closely with the government, to be in Sejong, while the Senate, which oversees national issues, should remain in Seoul."
When asked about his comments on image politics directed at former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, Hong said, "The only person who has succeeded through image politics is Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon," adding, "If someone new to politics focuses solely on image politics, they won't last long." He continued, "Imagine how humiliating it would be if, during a debate, someone told you not to engage in image politics," explaining, "That's why I made my point indirectly."
Meanwhile, Hong unveiled his vision for a sweeping national reform in the welfare sector. He proposed 'productive welfare' as a guiding principle, expressing his ambition to build a country that 'gives freedom to the wealthy, opportunities to ordinary people, and dreams to the youth.' He criticized populist cash handouts and excessive expansion of welfare for rapidly increasing national debt, stating his plan to set welfare at a sustainable level.
Regarding pension reform, he pledged to establish a 'Pension Reform Task Force' immediately upon taking office, emphasizing his intention to pursue reforms so that the burden is not shifted onto future generations.
He also presented measures to address the low birth rate. He plans to expand top-priority housing allocations for newlyweds and broaden support policies for childbirth and childcare for workers at small and medium-sized enterprises. He announced plans to expand Daegu's policy of gradually raising the age for free public transportation for seniors from 65 to 70 nationwide, and to adjust the official senior age to 70 in line with changing social conditions. However, he reserved judgment on extending the retirement age, saying, "It's difficult to answer on the spot."
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