[Column] Is It Time to Complain About Whose Country This Is?

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] "Is this country the Ministry of Economy and Finance's country!"

During the process of promoting the loss compensation system related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) for small business owners and self-employed individuals, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun showed a sharp reaction toward the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This came as Kim Yong-beom, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, seemed to distance himself by saying that it is difficult to find overseas cases, despite the legislative policy already having formed a consensus with the Blue House. Later, at a meeting with reporters, Vice Minister Kim corrected his stance by saying he would review the institutionalization plan in detail, but the cold atmosphere still flows beneath the surface.

The situation feels d?j? vu. Every time support policies were announced after the COVID-19 crisis, the Ministry of Economy and Finance called for 'careful review,' while the ruling party demanded 'swift promotion,' repeatedly causing friction. The creaking appearance was fully exposed to the public, and public opinion split into two camps, making the already difficult daily lives even more exhausting.

Legislation and political decision-making seem to go through very complex and arduous processes, but they are often resolved through the skill of 'consensus.' Social consensus of the general will can make people work only about 30 hours a week, turn off all the lights in stores late at night, and push income tax rates above 50%. This Nordic model, which might seem astonishing to us, is naturally accepted on the other side of the globe thanks to the power of sincere consensus.

Not all citizens can think the same about every issue or create consensus through voting every time. We do not have the luxury to do so in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ruling party, government, and Blue House exist to represent the people and discuss problems well. This is their inherent duty and obligation.

As Prime Minister Chung said, the Republic of Korea is not the Ministry of Economy and Finance's country. Nor is it the ruling party's country or the prime minister's country. What the ruling party, government, and Blue House must do is not to claim ownership of the country but to gain policy trust from the people through decent consensus and smooth acceptance of that consensus. In a situation where some people’s survival is threatened by COVID-19, political rhetoric about 'lame duck' is far too complacent.