Opposition searches for appealing economic reform

New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) Chairman Moon Jae-in. left, ties shoelaces for Jung Tae-ho, a candidate for the parliamentary by-elections on April 29, as a gesture of support for Jung during the party’s Supreme Council leaders’ meeting in Gwanak-gu in Seoul, Monday. Jung will run for the National Assembly seat to represent the Gwanak-B constituency. / Yonhap

By Kim Hyo-jin

The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) is ramping up efforts to its slogan of being the “competent party in economic policies,” by holding a policy expo from April 6-8.

Policy Expo Committee Chairman Kim Jin-pyo unveiled the plan during a press briefing Sunday, saying the event will provide the public a chance to communicate with lawmakers and express opinions on legislation and budget plans through open debates.

“The policy expo can be a turning point for the party to rebuild public trust as an alternative party,” Kim said, citing the party’s determination to be a better networking platform for economic policies.

The event comes as the NPAD is increasingly focusing its campaign on reviving the economy.

The NPAD has been putting priority on the economy since Rep. Moon Jae-in took office in February, calling for economic growth based on an increase in household incomes.

The party plans to set up 98 booths in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido and hold 31 open debate sessions in a bid to promote its main policies and gather consensus among the public.

The three-day event also includes speeches of party leaders regarding economic issues.

NPAD’s Chairman Rep. Moon is expected to talk about income-led growth on April 6; former Co-Chairman Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo about the innovative economy on April 7; Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung about welfare-to-work policies on April 7 and 8, respectively.

Think-tanks representing both conservatives and liberals will be engaged in a hot debate over income-led growth and an increase in the minimum wage.

They include the Institute for the Future of State, the economic think tank for the ruling Saenuri Party, and the Good Policy Forum led by Kim Ho-ki, a liberal sociology professor at Yonsei University.

NPAD lawmakers are scheduled to open their offices to citizens and to join the policy debate as a panel.

“Taking into consideration public suggestions, we will give substantial feedback through legislation,” Kim said.