President Lee: Policy Disagreements Are Natural in Democracy

President Lee Jae-myung defended inter-agency policy disagreements on August 11th, characterizing them as a natural and even beneficial aspect of a democratic government. Speaking at a State Council meeting in Sejong City, President Lee stated that differing opinions between government ministries should not be viewed as problematic but rather as an inherent part of a transparent and democratic process. He argued that the past practice of presenting only finalized, coordinated opinions externally was a form of "backroom administration."

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When government ministries have different stances, it's not inherently wrong to reveal that.

"When government ministries have different stances, it's not inherently wrong to reveal that," President Lee said. "A truly democratic process involves freely expressing opinions from the initial discussion stages, allowing the public to engage in debate and reach a conclusion through adjustment." He cited the recent dispute over applying the 52-hour work week exception to R&D personnel, where the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Employment and Labor presented conflicting views. Lee explained that ministries exist to leverage their specialized expertise and present their positions, with coordination handled by the Prime Minister's Office or himself if necessary.

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A truly democratic process involves freely expressing opinions from the initial discussion stages, allowing the public to engage in debate and reach a conclusion through adjustment.

President Lee also addressed criticism of the recently announced tax reform plan, where the government's willingness to consider revisions was labeled as inconsistency. He countered that flexibility and openness to counterarguments are more important than rigid adherence to an initial decision. "Where in the world is there a 100% perfect plan with no room for revision?" he asked, distinguishing between policy, which is subject to change, and absolute truth. He further elaborated that disagreements, like those between the labor-focused Ministry of Employment and Labor and the industry-focused Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, are natural and expected. "Ministers should argue fiercely, even to the point of fighting, so that the public does not have to fight," he stated, suggesting that robust debate within the cabinet leads to more practical solutions on the ground.

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Ministers should argue fiercely, even to the point of fighting, so that the public does not have to fight.