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Two opposition parties’ shameful populism

Published: 03 Oct. 2024, 20:05

The ongoing campaigns by the Democratic Party (DP) and the Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP) with just less than two weeks left before the by-elections for new heads of the Yeonggwang and Gokseong Counties are being overheated fast. After the two opposition parties made one hefty promise after another to buy votes from local residents in the two rural towns in South Jeolla — the home ground of Korean progressives — many people lament the outmoded practice reminiscent of the old days in our democracy. The race between the DP led by its leader Lee Jae-myung, former Gyeonggi governor, and the RKP guided by Cho Kuk, former justice minister, is swiftly turning into a life-or-death battle because of their growing judicial risks.

On a visit to Yeonggwang County last month, DP leader Lee promised voters to hand out 1 million won ($755) in local currency per person per year as a “basic income” — his signature scheme. On another trip to Gokseong County, he pledged to dole out 500,000 won per person every year. In reaction, the candidate of the RKP in the by-election in Yeonggwang County raised the amount to 1.2 million won. RKP leader Cho even vowed to give 10 million to each Gokseong resident every year by using profits from renewable energy generation in the county.

Could Cho really keep the promise? Among 229 counties and small cities across the country, Yeonggwang County is ranked 163th — and Gokseong 172nd — in terms of fiscal independence. Given the size of its population at 51,000, the county needs 51 billion won to hand out 1 million won to each farmer. But last year, the county’s own tax revenue was less than 10 percent of the budget. In other words, the other 90 percent of the budget came from the coffers of the central government.

Nevertheless, the two heads of the largest — and second largest — opposition parties make nonsensical pledges competitively. If they believe such populist promises will work, it’s an insult to local residents.

The wild race is being fueled by the DP leader’s core supporters living outside the two counties. They have kicked off an online campaign to purchase rice from Yeonggwang County. In reaction, the RKP started operating mobile cafés in the two counties to offer free coffee to the residents. Such a favor doesn’t violate the Public Official Election Act because it allows the provision of beverages at prices lower than 1,000 won for voters. If this is not a farce, what is?

Even former prime minister Kim Bu-kyum, a DP member, criticized the opposition parties for dishonoring local people. Lee and Cho may need to win the two elections to help dilute their mounting judicial risks, but we urge them to maintain their integrity first.