Prime Minister Jeong: "'Public Officials' Must Respond Immediately to Regulatory Improvements to Overcome the Economic Crisis"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged on the 9th, "Public officials should respond immediately to demands for regulatory improvements to overcome the economic crisis. I hope the ministers will take responsibility and lead this effort."

Prime Minister Chung presided over the Government Policy Issue Inspection and Coordination Meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, stating, "Although our economy has suffered a severe blow due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), if the government’s burden of proof system is well utilized, it can greatly help overcome the crisis."

The government burden of proof system means that instead of the public and companies explaining why regulations should be lifted, the government must prove the necessity of those regulations itself; if it fails to do so, the regulations are abolished. In other words, it aims to innovate regulations by reversing the roles of the regulator and the regulated.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Last year, we applied the government burden of proof system starting with administrative rules and improved about 2,000 regulations, bringing many changes to the field," adding, "From this year, we will expand the scope of the burden of proof system to laws and enforcement decrees that have a significant impact on economic activities and citizens’ lives, and spread it to local governments to accelerate regulatory innovation."

He also emphasized, "Detailed explanations of the measures are more important than anything else," and ordered, "Relevant ministries should provide customized information to users with specific examples about the changes this time."

Regarding measures to resolve difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Prime Minister Chung said, "When the economy worsens, those who suffer first and longest are SMEs, small business owners, and self-employed individuals," and instructed, "Since timing is crucial in policy, relevant ministries should expedite necessary follow-up measures as much as possible."

Concerning the 2020 traffic accident fatality reduction measures, he explained, "Since 2018, the government has been focusing on three major projects to protect citizens’ lives to reduce deaths caused by traffic accidents, industrial accidents, and suicides by half by 2022," adding, "Thanks to the active participation and cooperation of the public, results have appeared in all three areas. In particular, traffic accident fatalities have decreased by 836 over the past two years, a 20% reduction."

Furthermore, he stressed, "We will not be complacent. The government aims to reduce traffic accident fatalities to the 2,000 range this year," and said, "To achieve this, we will establish a pedestrian-first traffic system, further strengthen driver responsibility, and significantly expand traffic safety infrastructure."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "Measures must work on the ground," and mentioned, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and related agencies should promptly install traffic safety facilities such as unmanned enforcement cameras and regularly inspect and supplement sections with high accident risks and areas with habitual traffic violations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.