Na Kyung-won "No Low Birthrate Solution Without Money"
Presidential Office "Not Coordinated... Cannot Neglect"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office expressed a highly agitated response, saying it is "extremely disappointing" that former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, in her capacity as vice-chair of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, insists on a low birthrate policy that differs from the government's stance, centered on "loan principal forgiveness upon childbirth."
In particular, with remarks such as "It can no longer be tolerated," it is analyzed that the possibility of dismissing former lawmaker Na from her vice-chair position cannot be ruled out.
A senior official from the Presidential Office told reporters late on the 8th, regarding Vice-Chair Na, "As the vice-chair of a presidential committee, it is an unacceptable and inappropriate act as a member of the committee to unilaterally push forward a policy announcement that was not coordinated at all with the chairperson, the President."
He continued, "Former lawmaker Na announced to the media without committee discussions or expert verification, causing confusion in national policy," and criticized, "Moreover, the Low Birthrate Committee has never convened. No discussions have taken place at the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee level."
He added, "Even though the Prime Minister's Office clearly conveyed opposition, stating that it does not align with the national policy direction, the announcement was pushed forward, forgetting that she is part of the executive branch," and criticized, "This is a low birthrate policy involving tens of trillions of won in astronomical finances. Even the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the budget authority, strongly opposed the personal opinion announcement, citing that the budget procurement method and budget estimates were not properly prepared, causing serious confusion among the public."
On the 5th, former lawmaker Na mentioned the so-called 'Hungarian-style' childbirth promotion policy at a Ministry of Health and Welfare press briefing, which includes providing a 40 million won loan upon marriage, converting it to interest-free upon the birth of the first child, and forgiving part or all of the principal upon the birth of the second and third children.
In response, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs Ahn Sang-hoon held a briefing on the 6th, drawing a line by stating that it "contradicts the government's policy direction," but Vice-Chair Na continued to post on her Facebook, maintaining her stance by saying, "There is no overcoming low birthrate without money."
She repeated her claim, saying, "The financial burden is large, but the inevitability is also clear, making it an even more difficult issue."
The official said regarding former lawmaker Na's reaction, "(She) continues to make extremely inappropriate remarks as the vice-chair responsible for national population policy, a matter of great national importance," and suggested the possibility of dismissal, saying, "This series of remarks is an intolerable act as a public official holding a major government position regarding a national policy that may involve tens of trillions of won."
Furthermore, he reiterated, "The Presidential Office is extremely disappointed with former lawmaker Na's series of actions."
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