[In-Depth Look] All Laws Are Based on the Public Good

Kim Young-woo, Senior Specialist at the Win-Win Growth Committee.

"All laws are based on the Common Good." This is the inscription on a plaque at the Federal Assembly in Bern, Switzerland. Switzerland is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons (Kanton). Each canton has its own independent laws, parliament, and administrative organization. Since the cantons hold substantial authority, the role of the federal government is limited. Yet, why do the cantons prioritize the federal government's common good over individual interests?

In the 13th century, three cantons formed an alliance to resist foreign powers, and over time, this number gradually increased. Finally, at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the 26 cantons were recognized as permanently neutral, and in 1848, Switzerland was established as a federal state. Through religious conflicts and numerous wars, a social consensus was reached that recognized the independence of the cantons while allowing the federal government to intervene in emergencies. At the core of this is the philosophy of the common good.

Recently, the Brookings Institution projected in a pandemic-related report that the global GDP could decrease by at least $2.3 trillion and up to $9.1 trillion. This is a shocking forecast that the world GDP might shrink by 10%. Switzerland has also suffered enormous damage due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Since early March, when the outbreak began in earnest, confirmed cases have exceeded 28,000 as of the 23rd, with more than 1,400 casualties.

For Switzerland, known for its precision manufacturing represented by watches, as well as its developed finance and tourism sectors, this is an unprecedentedly bleak situation. On the other hand, what is noteworthy is that in response to the national emergency, the 26 cantons swiftly delegated the federal government to prepare joint countermeasures for the common good. Although the initial response was delayed, they implemented social lockdowns and proposed bold policy measures to protect the most vulnerable groups.

First, they are throwing a lifeline to companies facing bankruptcy. A minimum three-month grace period was granted for debt repayment by small and medium-sized enterprises, and 50 trillion won is being injected to enable companies and self-employed individuals with liquidity problems to obtain bank loans. Additionally, on April 16, three mitigation measures to combat the epidemic were announced. While continuing to protect high-risk individuals, they are working to revive the economy through a gradual lifting of lockdown measures.

This easing is being carried out in stages. In the first stage, outpatient clinics and hair salons, which have relatively few contacts, will be allowed to open. If this measure is deemed to have settled smoothly, the second stage will begin on May 11, when elementary and secondary schools reopen and all other stores, including department stores, will open. The third stage starts on June 8 and will expand to universities, other higher education institutions, and museums.

The common good is something that is good (Good) for everyone (Common), that is, a universal good open to all. It means public interest, prioritizing society over individual good. Moreover, the idea of the common good implies that the purpose of society should not be separated from ethics. Ethics is broad, ranging from individuals to society, but individual ethics do not necessarily apply as social ethics. The common good shines when it is based on social ethics.

What is the most important common good for us now? There are many ahead of the great transformation after post-COVID, but protection for small self-employed businesses and consideration for small and medium-sized enterprises are absolutely necessary. In particular, maintaining employment for small self-employed individuals, who make up 25% of the economically active population, is the first step toward the common good. In an economic crisis like this, employment acts as a breakwater even amid a tsunami. It is time for everyone to unite their efforts so that the state protects businesses, businesses protect jobs, and prepare for the next common good called "economic recovery (Resilience)."

Kim Young-woo, Senior Expert, Win-Win Growth Committee

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