President Lee: War damage relief payments are not populism... calling it ‘handing out cash’ is an overstatement

According to The Financial News, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea rejected opposition concerns on the 7th that the government’s supplementary budget plan is populist, saying, "It is by no means populism," and adding, "Calling it 'handing out cash' is somewhat of an overstatement."
In his opening remarks at the Ruling–Opposition–Government People’s Livelihood and Economy Consultative Body held at Cheong Wa Dae that day, President Lee said, "In particular, to support the difficulties people face due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, we have prepared what is commonly called a war damage relief payment," explaining the government’s position.
The meeting of the consultative body, which also included a luncheon, was attended by President Lee; Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK); Han Byung-do, floor leader of the DPK; Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party (PPP); Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the PPP; the chief spokespeople of both parties; Prime Minister Kim Min-seok of South Korea; Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea; and Hong Ihk-pyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs.
President Lee said, "It seems that even Representative Jang acknowledges in words that the supplementary budget is truly important. However, his point is that some of its contents may be somewhat inappropriate." He continued, "The current budget bill reflects the government’s view, so in the National Assembly, which holds the power to deliberate and decide, the ruling and opposition parties can fully debate it. Through that process, they can add what is necessary, and they can also cut or adjust parts that are deemed unnecessary."
At the same time, referring to rising fuel prices, President Lee noted, "The resulting secondary impact on overall prices is so great that we believe we must at least partially offset the pain caused by it." He stressed, "The funds allocated in the current budget were not raised by taking on debt, by forcing cuts elsewhere, or by increasing taxes on the public. They come from higher-than-expected tax revenues generated as the economy has recovered to some extent."
He went on, "These tax revenues are funds that must be used for the people. It is important that this money be spent well," adding, "From our government’s perspective, the most important thing right now is to provide at least some compensation for the damage people have suffered due to external crises."
President Lee said, "We can introduce some degree of differentiation, but due to the limits of available resources, about 30% of the population will in reality suffer hardship, pay more in taxes, and yet receive no support. I find that regrettable and I am sorry about it." He added, "If resources were abundant, it would of course be only right to provide equal opportunities or support to all citizens, and I am disappointed that we are unable to do so."
He continued, "This is by no means a cash handout type of populism. All of this is tax money that people have earned through their blood, sweat, and tears, and it must be used fairly and rationally. From our government’s standpoint, we believe this is the most important form of support," and added, "Since this is the government’s view, I hope the National Assembly will discuss it thoroughly at its level."
cjk@fnnews.com Reporter Choi Jong-geun Reporter