By Jun Ji-hye
Ruling Saenuri Party floor leader Rep. Yoo Seong-min took a step back Monday from his efforts to introduce low-price cigarettes following widespread criticism in political circles, including members of his own party.
“We don’t have an immediate plan either to introduce or cancel the plan,” Yoo told reporters. “We are now reviewing it at an idea level.”
Rep. Yoo instructed the party’s policy committee on Feb. 17 to review ways to introduce cheap, low-quality tobacco products to soothe low-earners’ discontent over January’s 2,000-won cigarette price hike.
The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) labeled Yoo’s move as populism, saying that the ruling party is pushing a half-baked policy just to attract votes.
Yoo’s latest explanation followed mounting complaints, even from governing party lawmakers, who cited inconsistent policies on tobacco prices.
Third-term lawmaker Chung Woo-taik argued, “Such an inconsistent policy will only arouse public mistrust toward the government.”
He pointed out that the government explained that the increase in tobacco prices was to protect people’s health, not to raise taxes. Critics have claimed that the price hike was designed to secure taxes to implement President Park Geun-hye’s welfare pledges.
“Introduction of low-price cigarettes would only prove that the government raised the price to actually boost taxes,” he said.
First-term Rep. Ha Tae-keung echoed that, saying the move to introduce low-price cigarettes will break the trust in the government and the governing camp.
“Attracting votes is an important virtue for politicians. But this plan will only bring a big loss while seeking a small gain,” he said.
Rep. Kim Young-woo criticized the NPAD as well, saying, “It agreed with the ruling party on the tobacco price hike in January when the National Assembly plenary session passed the bill. But the party tries to get out of it whenever the situation is unfavorable.”
The ruling party leadership attempted to remove the controversy surrounding its floor leader’s instruction.
“It was the plain fact that the government raised tobacco prices in January to improve the people’s health,” said Rep. Won Yoo-chul, chairman of the party’s policy committee. “Yoo’s instruction came while the party members were discussing how to help lower-income groups and seniors.”
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