Criticizing 'Populism', Gukhim Promises 30 Trillion Won Supplementary Budget... Lee Jun-seok Continues 'Turtle Island' Offensive

[Financial News] Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of Gukhim, has thrown a strong move by proposing a supplementary budget of 30 trillion won on the day of inauguration. Considering that Gukhim was initially passive about supplementary budgets, this is evaluated as a completely changed stance. It is interpreted as an attempt to turn the political situation around by actively participating in the supplementary budget discussions that Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party had taken the lead in. Lee Jun-seok, the candidate of the Reform New Party, also attacked candidate Lee Jae-myung by proposing a pledge to prevent the Turtle Island Wave Park.
Candidate Kim announced "Six Promises to the People" at the central party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 27th, saying, "On the day of inauguration, I will hold a joint meeting of the floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties and proceed with a 30 trillion won supplementary budget for people's livelihood."
In addition, candidate Kim promised △National Cabinet Recommendation Committee △Emergency Economic War Room including entrepreneurs and small business owners △Visit to the United States within one month of inauguration. Candidate Kim emphasized, "As soon as the presidential election is over, I will do my best to normalize state affairs and improve the lives of the people," and "I will focus on addressing people's livelihood issues."
Such pledges by candidate Kim seem to be aimed at reaffirming his image as an 'economic president' with a strong will to boost the economy and solve people's livelihood issues. However, considering that candidate Kim and Gukhim have consistently maintained tax reduction policies and previously labeled the Democratic Party's 35 trillion won supplementary budget demand as 'populism', it is expected to be difficult to avoid criticism for inconsistency.
Candidate Kim also proposed △Immediate appointment of a special inspector recommended by the opposition party △Prohibition of the first lady's involvement in state affairs △Disclosure of presidential residence living expenses under the pretext of 'Eradicating Presidential Family Corruption'. Candidate Kim said, "The disappointment and anger of the people at the appearance of the first ladies (so far) is enough to click their tongues," and "I will break the chain of continuous misfortune caused by the misconduct of the president's family and relatives."
Candidate Lee Jun-seok also set his sights on candidate Lee Jae-myung. By directly hitting the Turtle Island Wave Park controversy of candidate Lee Jae-myung, candidate Lee Jun-seok stated, "I will protect livelihood investors and break the vicious cycle of new city vacancies." Candidate Lee Jun-seok specifically proposed △Complete redesign of the supply structure of commercial land △Strengthening regulations on pre-screening of sales advertisements and sales agencies △Mandatory expansion of local governments' fact-finding and public leasing △Introduction of a property tax deferral system for long-term vacant stores.


haeram@fnnews.com Lee Hae-ram Reporter