DP's Stance on Property Tax Easing…Deepening Suffering for Working Class

A remark was made at a high-level Democratic Party meeting that a strong request would be made to ease the comprehensive real estate tax for single-home owners. This is interpreted as a move to create an exception for single-home owners, regardless of their residency status. However, this stance is controversial as it contradicts the policy direction the Democratic Party advocated after the change of government.

The Democratic Party is facing a situation where it is reversing policies it once promoted. There is strong criticism of the party's current attitude of changing policies that Kim Min-seok, then a representative, pursued during his time as prime minister. This is seen as an improvised attempt to recover from declining approval ratings and a factor that erodes public trust in policies.

The Democratic Party government initially promised tax benefits for registering rental businesses but later withdrew them. Critics argue that the government backstabbed multi-home owners who registered as rental businesses based on the policy, by refusing to defer capital gains taxes. This policy reversal has deepened public distrust in the Democratic Party government's real estate policies.

The working-class economy is currently facing significant hardship due to soaring inflation. The price of a roll of kimbap ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 won, and a carton of eggs, which was around 7,000 won last year, now exceeds 10,000 won. It has become difficult for working-class individuals to even afford a decent lunch with 10,000 won, intensifying their financial struggles.

The phenomenon of soaring prices while wages remain stagnant is primarily attributed to excessive money supply. Critics argue that when too much money is circulated in the market, prices inevitably rise. Indeed, just like the case where postpartum care center fees increased after support funds were disbursed, there are side effects where support funds actually lead to an increase in supply prices.

Concerns are rising that cash support policies, such as the 500,000 won livelihood support fund distributed ahead of Chuseok, may only increase the profits of businesses. While these support funds raise prices and labor costs, the actual wages of working-class individuals do not significantly increase, potentially exacerbating real income inequality. Critics point out that the meager wage increases compared to inflation mean that the living standards of the majority of citizens are not improving.

Rising prices are a significant burden for self-employed individuals. For example, dog shampoo prices at pet cafes have doubled, increasing cost burdens, which then lead to a ripple effect of other rising costs. Vacancies are increasing in major commercial areas like Hongdae and Sinchon, a clear example of the crisis faced by self-employed individuals due to worsening economic conditions.

The government was criticized for neglecting domestic disaster response while focusing solely on external relations with countries like North Korea and China. This has led to accusations that the government prioritizes political actions over public safety in disaster situations.

The Democratic Party is being criticized for undermining the rule of law to defend its own judicial issues. Actions such as putting up banners telling Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to step down, citing the destruction of the rule of law, are seen as attempts to cover up their own wrongdoings. Such actions are criticized for shaking the foundation of the rule of law.

Ahead of Chuseok, competition among local governments to distribute up to 500,000 won per person in livelihood support funds is intensifying. Analysts suggest that local governments are eagerly following the Lee Jae-myung administration's cash handout policies. With most local government heads being from the Democratic Party and mentioning Gyeonggi Province's fiscal bankruptcy crisis, concerns are raised that such lavish budget management could lead to fiscal depletion.

After Governor Nam Kyung-pil, Democratic Party figures such as Lee Jae-myung, Kim Dong-hyun, and Choo Mi-ae successively took charge of provincial affairs, continuously emptying the fiscal coffers filled by conservative governments. As a result, despite high tax collection, Gyeonggi Province is reportedly facing financial difficulties.

The host pointed out that such money-printing policies are merely populism and could harm long-term economic stability. Concerns were raised that policies that only increase currency would ultimately lead to price increases, making the working-class economy even more difficult.

Panelist Kim Hye-ji questioned whether members of the National Assembly, who were elected by the people, had ever bowed to the public in such a manner. This was pointed out as behavior that fails to uphold the dignity of a national assembly member.

Criticism arose that the current political culture feels like watching politics from the 1970s or 80s. Despite South Korea becoming a developed nation and being in the 2020s, outdated political performances, such as bizarre scenes from party caucuses, are repeatedly occurring. This is viewed as an anachronistic display, indicating a regression in political development.

Demands are growing for the political sector to cease performative displays and focus on genuinely addressing people's livelihoods. Critics point out that despite urgent livelihood issues such as the disaster in the Geoje region and soaring prices, politicians are fixated on performative greetings. The host repeatedly urged focusing on solving the inflation problem.

Viewers poured out critical reactions to the Democratic Party's performative actions, such as their 90-degree bow. Comments like 'The Bowing Party', 'The Seeing Party', 'The Reckless Party', and 'These psychos' filled the chat, revealing the public's cynical view of politicians' behavior.

Within the People Power Party, discussions about introducing a direct election system for district committee chairpersons are active. Panelist Kim Hye-ji raised fundamental questions about the qualifications of a district committee chairperson, pointing out the limitations of the existing appointment method. Along with the argument that Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk needs to make a decision to relinquish power, the importance of democratic procedures that reflect the will of party members was emphasized.

Members of the People Power Party argue that they should directly elect their district committee chairpersons. It was emphasized that party members should gather to hear their opinions, and given that the People Power Party is operated with party dues, the voices of party members should be significantly reflected. This is interpreted as a move to pursue more democratic party operations through the participation of party members.