청와대 업무보고...소득주도 성장 공방

In light of poor economic data,... the government's economic policies have been subject to harsh criticism at the National Assembly.
Today, opposition lawmakers called for an all-out revision,... while the ruling party said patience is need for the measures to bear fruit.
Kim Min-ji has the highlights from the parliamentary session to question Cheongwadae officials
Officials from South Korea's presidential office were in the hot seat for questioning at the National Assembly on Tuesday as rival parties locked horns over the government's signature income-led growth policies.
Opposition parties criticized the policies... stressing the need for a revision or even a change in direction,... as recent economic data have been dismal.
They said they money pumped in hasn't translated into quality job growth,... and the livelihoods of low-income households have gotten worse.

"The government's policies are aimed at increasing the income of low-income households and spurring investment and job creation at companies. But you do admit that it's not working, don't you?"

"Our government is trying to ease the polarization issue by adopting the income-led growth policy. There are parts that have gotten better, ...and areas that need improvement."

However, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea defended the policies saying the matter is something that needs to be dealt with patience,... adding that they can't blame the policies when the administration has only been in office for just over a year.
Rather, they said the government's initiative should be seen as a long-term plan and more about reforming the economic fundamentals.

"The way I see it, this income-led growth strategy is aimed at a much-needed structural reform of the Korean economy. Previous administrations have tried to do it, and so are we. It's not something rival parties should be bickering over."

"The policies are aimed at boosting domestic demand. What we are pushing for is a shift in economic paradigm. We are not implementing policies for short-term economy revitalization, or temporary job growth."

When asked whether the presidential office has any plans to scrap its controversial special activity funds,... the presidential chief of staff said that it's been cut over 30 percent on year,... and the remaining portion is a must needed budget for the president's diplomatic and security agendas.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.