President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday pushed back against opposition criticism of the "high oil price relief fund" included in the government's supplementary budget bill, saying it is "by no means populism" and that describing it as "handing out cash" is "an excessive expression."
In his opening remarks at the Ruling-Opposition-Government Livelihood Economy Council held at Cheongwadae, Lee said the government prepared the so-called "war damage relief fund" to ease the public's hardship because "the fuel tax increase and the resulting price surge have been so significant."
"The funding was not created by borrowing from somewhere or raising taxes on the public," Lee said. "We did our best in the second half of last year, and as the economy partially recovered through those efforts, we are utilizing tax revenue that grew more than expected."
He added, "This tax revenue must be spent for the people," and said the government aims to "spend taxes — money the public earned with blood, sweat, and tears — fairly and rationally."
Lee also expressed regret over the scope of the relief program. "Even with some differentiation, it would be right to provide support to all citizens, but due to fiscal constraints, 30% of the public will not receive support despite paying more in taxes," he said. "That is truly regrettable and I feel sorry about it."
Addressing People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, Lee said, "You seem to acknowledge the supplementary budget is important but argue its contents are inappropriate." He added, "The current budget bill represents the government's position, and the National Assembly, which holds the authority to deliberate and vote, can make adjustments through sufficient debate between the ruling and opposition parties."
Lee also called for cooperation on constitutional revision. "So much time has passed since the constitution was enacted that it has become 'clothes that no longer fit,'" he said. "The truth is, constitutional revision is impossible without the help of the People Power Party. I ask you to engage in positive discussions."
Specifically, he noted, "With May 18 approaching, I recall that the current opposition party, when it was the ruling party, also pledged to enshrine the spirit of May 18 in the preamble of the constitution. There is no disagreement on this." He added, "The opposition has also suggested including the Buma Uprising, and that also seems reasonable."
Lee also recalled that the opposition leadership recently raised concerns about the abuse of martial law. "Who would oppose preventing the abuse of martial law?" he said, adding, "There is also no disagreement on strengthening local autonomy. I ask you again to accept gradual, step-by-step constitutional revision."
The president called on both parties to unite in overcoming the crisis caused by the Middle East conflict. "South Korea is in considerable crisis. This situation has arisen from external factors beyond our control, making it difficult to respond," Lee said. "We are doing our best, so I ask both the opposition and the ruling party to show consideration."