Kim Jong-in: "Relocation of Administrative Capital, a Situation Denying Constitutional Court's Symbolism... Is This a Normal Government?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, strongly criticized the ruling party's push for relocating the administrative capital, calling it "a situation that denies the symbolic significance of the Constitutional Court." Floor leader Joo Ho-young echoed his remarks. While the ruling party is urging a 'ruling-opposition consensus' on the administrative capital relocation, the opposition appears to be rejecting it.

On the morning of the 23rd, Chairman Kim said at the United Future Party's Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly main building, "Implement policies that can be operated at a common-sense level."

He pointed out, "The proposal was finally made because measures against real estate speculation in the metropolitan area have completely failed, public outrage is rising, and the president's approval rating is plummeting. The proposal is to move the capital to Sejong City," adding, "I cannot help but doubt whether this can be presented as a normal government policy."

He continued, "The relocation of the administrative capital was ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, yet without an accurate interpretation of this issue, they vaguely say the administrative capital should be moved to Sejong City," and criticized, "The capital cannot be relocated simply due to the failure of real estate speculation policies or just for 'regional balanced development.'" He added, "How long has Sejong City been established and operated? The reality is that regional balanced development has not had any effect on alleviating the overpopulation of the metropolitan area."

Chairman Kim said, "The capital has symbolic significance in the international community, and I also doubt whether the government considers the security psychological situation of people in the metropolitan area," and criticized, "What is worrisome is hearing unimaginable remarks such as 'Since the Constitutional Court is now filled with our people, naturally if we submit a bill, it can be ruled constitutional,' regarding the Constitutional Court's unconstitutional ruling."

Regarding the government's real estate measures, Chairman Kim said, "Simply presenting vague measures against real estate speculation will not eradicate real estate speculation," and pointed out, "We need to consider whether these can properly harmonize within the framework of economic policy. Looking at the overall economic environment and policy situation our country is experiencing now, no matter how many real estate speculation policies are implemented, if the psychological situation is not controlled, they will never succeed."

He forecasted, "Currently, enormous funds are being injected to overcome the coronavirus, and interest rates are at historically lowest levels to stimulate the economy," adding, "If the top economic policy decision-maker does not understand how economic actors' psychology operates in this situation, real estate speculation can never be controlled. Therefore, yesterday's statements become today's lies, and today's statements inevitably become tomorrow's lies."

Floor leader Joo also commented, "The Democratic Party suddenly brought up the administrative capital relocation, increasing confusion," and said, "It seems they brought up the administrative capital relocation to divert attention from their failure to control metropolitan area housing prices, the Incheon tap water larvae incident where even drinking water cannot be trusted, and the sexual harassment case involving the late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon."

He added, "There is no sincerity, and the constitutional issues have not been resolved," and said, "The public is well aware of the Democratic Party's intentions. I hope they withdraw this quickly and focus immediately on the urgent issues of skyrocketing metropolitan housing prices, tap water problems, and the late Mayor Park issue."

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