Jang Donghyuk Suggests Possible Removal of "Basic Income" from Party Platform and Policies

"Need to Redefine the Values of a Conservative Party"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has indicated that the party may remove the term "basic income," which is explicitly stated as the first article in its party platform and policies.

On the morning of December 25, Christmas Day, after attending a Christmas service at Sarang Church in Seocho District, Jang spoke with reporters. When asked whether the party is considering deleting the basic income clause from its platform and policies, he replied, "I have emphasized the need to newly establish the direction the People Power Party should take and the values of a conservative party. If necessary, I have also said that revising the party platform, policies, and even the party name could be considered."

Yonhap News Agency

The current platform and policies of the People Power Party were established in September 2020 during the emergency leadership of Kim Chongin, when the party was known as the United Future Party. Article 1, Clause 1 states, "The state shall actively support each citizen so that they may lead a stable and free life through basic income..." In 2022, former lawmaker Yoo Seungmin argued that basic income aligns more with the Democratic Party's stance and urged an immediate revision of the party platform and policies to abolish basic income, sparking internal controversy.

However, Jang clarified, "Revisions to the party name, platform and policies, or party constitution and regulations are not issues that we will initiate unilaterally; discussions begin only when party members recognize the necessity. So far, there have been no such discussions."

Regarding some members of the pro-Han Donghoon faction making conciliatory gestures in connection with Jang's 24-hour filibuster against the bill to establish a special court for insurrection cases, Jang explained, "I believe no one can disagree with the urgency and necessity of the filibuster." Former leader Han Donghoon wrote on Facebook the previous day, "Leader Jang devoted all his energy for a full 24 hours to block the unconstitutional bill for a special insurrection court. Thank you for your hard work."

Additionally, Jang criticized reports that the Democratic Party is considering giving third parties-such as the Constitutional Court, the Korean Bar Association, or Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun)-the right to recommend candidates for a special prosecutor in the Unification Church investigation, calling it a "trick." Jang stated, "Having the Constitutional Court or Minbyun, both composed of Democratic Party affiliates, make recommendations is essentially no different from the Democratic Party directly recommending the special prosecutor for the Unification Church case. Ultimately, it leaves room for the president to choose a special prosecutor recommended by the Constitutional Court or Minbyun."

He added, "If the Democratic Party does not accept a proposal to have a neutral body recommend the special prosecutor within this week, we will interpret it as a lack of will to pursue the special prosecution and will take extraordinary measures. We are prepared to keep all options open and to fight."