[Lee·Yoon Pledge Comparison Analysis] Lee Jae-myung Aims to Reshape Ministry of Economy and Finance Power... Yoon Seok-yeol Promises Blue House Reform

Lee Jae-myung Emphasizes Gradual Constitutional Reform
Yoon Seok-youl Keeps Distance from Constitutional Reform Discussions

Lee Jae-myung: "Separate Budget Functions from Ministry of Economy and Finance, Limit Parliamentary Immunity"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Although discussions on constitutional amendments to change the power structure, such as reforming the presidential system, are active every presidential election, this time it is not the case. The blueprints presented by the ruling and opposition presidential candidates, Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Seok-youl, in this area are mostly limited to minor changes such as shifting departmental authorities.

First, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, advocates dismantling the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In a media interview, he stated, "The Ministry of Economy and Finance acts as a superior agency over other ministries through its budget authority," and "there is a need to separate the budget function from the Ministry of Economy and Finance." On the surface, Lee raised this issue because the Ministry of Economy and Finance has continuously clashed with him and the Democratic Party over nationwide disaster relief funds and local currencies. However, underlying this is a suspicion about the appropriateness of the current role of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which became a 'giant' ministry after merging the Planning and Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Ki-sik, director of The Future Research Institute, a think tank of the Democratic Party, said, "There was already a consensus between past ruling and opposition parties that the current structure of the Ministry of Economy and Finance is 'not right,'" and pointed out, "Is there any country in the world where a specific ministry, even if led by a deputy prime minister, commands economic departments?" Lee Sang-min, senior researcher at the National Fiscal Research Institute, noted, "Currently, the Ministry of Economy and Finance is involved in everything from the total budget amount to detailed projects of each ministry and even conducts performance evaluations," adding, "It is effectively a structure that plans the entire budget and also conducts testing and evaluation."

Regarding constitutional amendments, Lee expressed political reform intentions such as limiting parliamentary immunity but advocates a step-by-step constitutional amendment through consensus, indicating no immediate intention for a major overhaul of the power structure. He said, "Our country's constitution only allows for a full revision, but I hope we can adopt the American style," and advocated for stepwise amendments, such as making changes agreed upon during local elections, general elections, and presidential elections. However, there are skeptical voices about whether this approach can guarantee effective change.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoon Seok-youl: "Abolish the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Office... Will Relinquish Blue House Power"

Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, emphasizes a "constitutional presidential system." He aims to establish a presidency that aligns with the spirit of our constitution.

Specifically, the ultimate goal is seen as relinquishing power from the Blue House.

For now, he stresses a cautious approach to grand discourses such as constitutional amendments. He believes that realizing the rule of law, which fully reflects the operational intent of the current system, is more important than changing the system itself. In this regard, Yoon has mentioned plans to downsize the Blue House organization.

He stated, "The Blue House presidential office should only handle important judgments related to national diplomacy and security, key policies the president must oversee, major agendas, and personnel appointments for key officials," and added, "The Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Office should be abolished, and civil affairs functions that enhance communication with the public should be placed elsewhere." The status of the Blue House as the highest power institution ultimately comes from the investigative function of the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Office, which he intends to relinquish.

Regarding this plan, Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University said, "It will be difficult to abolish it," and added, "(Mentioning the abolition of the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs) should be seen as a direction."

Regarding constitutional amendments, apart from expressing the intention to include the spirit of the Gwangju 5.18 Democratization Movement in the preamble of the constitution, he did not present any other agenda.

When asked about his stance on constitutional amendments such as introducing a parliamentary system, Yoon showed a cautious attitude. On Constitution Day this year, he said, "(Constitutional amendment) is always an open issue," but only stated the fundamental position that "constitutional amendments in reality must be carried out through procedures that can gain national consensus and agreement."

Lee Ho-young, general secretary of the Democracy Law Research Association, evaluated, "Including the 5.18 Democratization Movement at the forefront is close to a political statement," and analyzed, "It does not seem to have reached a meaningful or productive stage in constitutional amendment discussions."