Governor Kim Dong-yeon criticized the political realm's tax cut competition on the 28th, saying, "Welfare without tax increases is impossible." He is the first among potential opposition candidates to publicly mention "tax increase." This comes as Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, has recently proposed a series of tax cuts, including inheritance tax, income tax, and comprehensive real estate tax reforms. While the strategy aims to capture moderate voter sentiment through taxes, many internal criticisms point out that it undermines the party's identity in the pursuit of the presidency.
◇Lee right-click targeting… "Courageously consider tax increases"
That afternoon, Governor Kim met with Lee in Yeouido and stated, "The tax cut debate in the political arena, and tax cut populism, is extremely severe." He remarked, "What is needed now is not a tax cut but a proactive role of the finances," asserting, "This is the time to unite our efforts for a tax cut freeze and financial input."
On that day, Kim brought a paper filled with related content and said, "Considering the aim of raising the government debt ratio by 5 percentage points over the next five years, we need to create a virtuous cycle for economic revitalization and revenue expansion with about 200 trillion won." He also noted, "Tax increases are necessary in required areas. Welfare without tax increases is impossible." This statement effectively criticized Lee's right-click.
Specifically, he mentioned the introduction of a 'carbon tax.' Governor Kim said, "The key to the climate economy is to gradually introduce a 'carbon tax' and if used for renewable energy production and climate welfare, it will have a significant effect."
Governor Kim stated, "As a ruling party, if necessary, we should bravely consider and announce the issue of tax increases," adding, "To overcome the Democratic Party's crisis of trust, we cannot just talk, nor can we go back on our words." This seems to target Lee, who has recently reversed related positions, such as on 'basic income' and 'exceptions to the 52-hour workweek.'
◇Kim's constitutional amendment critique with Lee saying, "I haven't seen this in a while…"
He also touched on the topic of 'constitutional amendment,' which Lee has been hesitant about. He remarked that the constitutional amendment discussions that Lee promised during the last presidential election are progressing poorly. Governor Kim stated, "It is utterly incomprehensible that the constitutional amendment needed to open a new Republic of Korea and establish the seventh republic is not even being properly discussed. It is regrettable." He then mentioned ▲restructuring power ▲constitutional amendment for term shortening and concluded, "The Democratic Party must take on the responsibility of opening the door to a new republic by fulfilling the constitutional amendment that President Roh Moo-hyun spoke about 20 years ago."
Earlier, Lee mentioned during a TV debate, "If we talk about constitutional amendments now, it may push issues such as impeachment and recovery of constitutional order to the back burner." He had promised ▲a four-year term system with a two-term limit for the presidency ▲a runoff voting system ▲transfer of the Board of Audit and Inspection to the National Assembly ▲a parliamentary prime minister recommendation system during the last presidential election.
After Kim finished speaking, Lee asked, "Have you said everything?" and added, "Lately, the political and economic situation in this country seems to be difficult in many ways, so it seems that (Kim) is worried about both local and national issues." He went on to say, "It feels like it's been a while, but let's discuss what direction the country needs to develop, so the public can feel more at ease as fellow members of the Democratic Party." This reveals Lee's discomfort with Kim's remarks.