Hopefuls of Liberal Groups Roll out Campaign Pledges

Korea times, August 2, 2007

By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

Presidential hopefuls from pro-government groups are pouring out a number of campaign pledges to solicit support from the public.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan of the pro-government Uri Party Thursday pledged to create a large number of jobs with the goal of improving the quality of life.

Lee, 55, claimed that the nation can create about 2 million jobs for five years _ 400,000 jobs every year _ by attaining an annual economic growth of six percent.

The job-creating plan aims at curbing polarization, giving more opportunities for work to women and senior citizens and supporting smaller to medium-sized companies, he said.

Saying people are suffering from low employment, Lee insisted that he would nurture service and medical industries which will eventually better people's lives.

``Korea is the 12th largest economy in the world,'' he said. ``The Korean people deserve to receive better education and medical service.'' Lee is a loyalist to President Roh Moo-hyun.

Former Uri Chairman Chung Dong-young has promised to reduce oil-related tax by 20 percent to stabilize the lives of people.

``The tax reduction will bring a decrease of nearly 3.8 trillion won in the national treasury but more taxation on derivative financial products like stocks would fill up the lack,'' Chung, 54, said.

About a week later, he also suggested ways to encourage married couples to have more babies.

He insisted that the government should allow people to get a loan with low interest when they get married and give birth to their first baby.

Former Minister of Justice Chun Jung-bae pledged to curb surging property prices.

An independent, Chun, 53, said it is essential for his campaign pledge to disclose building costs of apartments.

Former Gyeonggi Governor Sohn Hak-kyu, who is the most favored presidential hopeful among probable pro-government candidates in surveys, plans to unveil his campaign pledges next Thursday.

Sohn, 60, has had provincial tours to read the public sentiment, his aides said.

His promises to aim at reducing the financial burden of education on people, securing more stable golden years and curbing housing prices, they said.

Former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, 63, who belongs to the Uri Party, also plans to present her campaign pledges next week which focus on educational reform, her aides said.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr