Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has decided to exclude his core policy of 'basic income' from the 6·3 presidential election promises. Instead, he will replace it with the term 'universal basic rights,' meaning the state will support inhabitants in achieving a certain standard of living. This is based on the 'right to pursue dignity and value' as specified in the constitution. The decision reflects concerns that cash support, such as '250,000 won for everyone,' faces criticism for populism and could be a negative factor for mid-to-conservative voters.
According to ChosunBiz's reporting on the 15th, Lee's policy think tank 'Growth and Integration' will reveal a policy document containing these details at its launch ceremony on the 16th. Growth and Integration is divided into a total of 34 subcommittees across various fields such as politics, economy, and society. Among these, there will be a subcommittee on 'universal basic rights' that addresses policies including the basic livelihood guarantee. The term 'distribution' or 'basic' has been completely omitted from all subcommittee names.
Professor Jeong Won-oh of the Social Welfare Department at the University of the Sacred Heart and Professor Eun Min-soo of the Graduate School of Public Policy at Sogang University will jointly serve as subcommittee chairs. Regarding the name 'universal basic rights,' it is said that there have been prior discussions with Lee. A representative of Growth and Integration noted, 'The basic income we have been pursuing is no longer in line with the trends of the times,' and shared that the candidate recognized it as undesirable in light of market principles.
The representative stated, 'Since finances are limited, prioritizing policy for 'basic income' is neither appropriate nor sustainable for the state,' and added, 'We have decided not to use such expressions or concepts in the future.' Furthermore, it was clarified that they would promote the basic livelihood guarantee system based on the 'national basic rights' stated in the constitution while aiming to provide substantial support appropriate for a capitalist social system, thus pursuing 'universal basic rights' as a core promise to signify a fundamental shift in perception.
'Basic income' was a core element of the Democratic Party's 'Basic Society' promise during the last presidential election. Specifically in the housing sector, they presented 'basic housing' and '(basic income-type) land ownership tax' as key promises. The gist is to allow those without homes to live in public housing located near transit stations for over 30 years, paying only rent at construction cost levels. They also planned to implement a policy to collect high taxes from multiple homeowners and distribute it equally to all citizens.
This means that the 'Lee Jae-myung style basic income' will be erased from this presidential election. Previously, at a New Year press conference in January, Lee stated, 'Right now, the most urgent issue is growth and economic recovery rather than distribution.' This comment came five months after the party's manifesto included 'basic society.' Observers in the political arena interpreted this as a reversal of the Democratic Party's distribution-focused economic policy, which they named 'income-led growth.'