Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung said Sunday he will set up a task force to handle the ongoing economic crisis if he's elected president next month. In a press conference at the DP headquarters in Seoul, Lee said establishing the task force, with the president in charge, will be the first thing he will do "if I am chosen by the people" in the June 3 election.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized that only a candidate and party prepared to resolve the accumulated issues can effectively address the crisis. He promised to quickly prepare measures to support people's livelihoods, which can be implemented immediately, and to fight against the recession.
Lee expressed his intention to aid small business owners, who he noted have been "pushed to the brink by trade issues and changing global security environments." He highlighted the need for the government to devise "efficient" plans to revitalize the economy.
Moreover, Lee committed to looking past ideological differences when implementing policies that can benefit the economy and the populace. He also emphasized the importance of cutting the "vicious cycle caused by the politics of confrontations and conflict."
Reflecting on the past administration, Lee criticized former President Yoon Suk Yeol for encouraging political division and deepening extreme confrontations, which he believes have left deep scars on the nation. He stated that it is crucial to end politics built on animosity and efforts to undermine each other, advocating instead for a culture of coexistence and communication to restore democracy.
Lee proclaimed himself the right candidate to end the politics of division, citing his understanding of the ills of political retribution through abuse of power. While he vowed to punish those behind treasonous acts threatening the country and its people, he assured that he would never engage in political retribution targeting specific individuals.