Monitoring of legislative activity

Two years ago, the Korea Economic Research Institute under the Federation of Korean Industries was under pressure to merge with the Sejong Institute to create a more prestigious think tank like the Heritage Foundation in Washington. The former institute specializes in the economy and the latter in foreign affairs and national security. In addition, their integration could generate synergystic effects since the former can be free from the influence of conglomerates and politicians and the latter from financial difficulty. On this idea, Park Jie-won, who was floor leader of the now-defunct Democratic Party in 2010, summoned and scolded related figures, saying, “Are you trying to drive out progressive researchers and create a conservative think tank?” He also threatened them, saying, “If you continue, I`ll get you. I will summon conglomerate owners to parliamentary hearings.” Because of Park’s objection, the merger was scrapped.

The federation on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Society of Regulatory Studies to monitor bills introduced by lawmakers. This was to brace for the pouring of excessive regulations that hinder business activities in the run-up to the December presidential election. Park, who is floor leader of the main opposition Democratic United Party, immediately blasted this move, saying, “The Federation of Korean Industries is trampling on the Constitution,” adding, “If the organization doesn’t stop this arrogant act that blocks economic democracy, I will take all possible measures.” Taken aback, the business organization is busy explaining its intent, saying, “This is to support legislation, not to hamper legislative activities.”

Few politicians in Korea have wielded unchecked power for a long time like Park. Two years ago, he thwarted the federation`s plan though the main opposition party had 81 parliamentary seats. With 127 seats plus collaboration with other opposition forces, Park can burn the organization to the ground if he wants. Just as a runaway market inflicts losses on the people, a powerful and unchecked politician can create more losses. In particular, a powerful opposition figure who wields power behind the scenes under the pretense of “the weak” can prove to be more dangerous.

Among 1,986 bills submitted to the 18th National Assembly, 93 percent were introduced by lawmakers. This is because of lack of a verification device such as a government law that makes it mandatory for bills to undergo review by ministries and the Regulatory Reform Committee. Even Germany, which has fewer bills introduced by lawmakers than Korea, adopted a review process for lawmaker-introduced bills. Laurence Parisot, president of France’s largest employer organization MEDEF, recently criticized his new government’s policy of tax hikes, saying, “The government shouldn`t isolate the economy by stiffening it.” Members of the Korea Society of Regulatory Studies, which Park blasted as an organization "as good as a Federation of Korean Industries’ internal group,” should step forward to keep the seemingly invincible Park in check.

Editorial Writer Kim Sun-deok (yuri@donga.com)