[사설] 용혜인 장관·비례대표 겸직, 국민 설득 어렵다

The Basic Livelihood Party's nominee for the Capacity and Livelihood Development Minister, Yeong Hyo-in, has vowed to prepare well for her upcoming "reconciliation meeting" regarding her potential resignation from the proportional representative position. While the Presidential Office acknowledged the need for such a process before she can serve her term, opposition within her own party is growing.

Particularly, the younger generation's opinion is stirring, leaving Yeong Hyo-in with cause for concern. The question posed to her by the interviewers, "Does the co-holding of a proportional representative and ministerial position constitute a 'special favor'?" suggests that there are multiple perspectives and worries. However, it's worth noting that some of the criticisms are exaggerated, such as claims that Yeong Hyo-in indulges in "working mom cosplay" or that her spouse holds a position in the party secretariat.

Nevertheless, the reason behind her stance on "co-holding" lacks sufficient legitimacy and rational justification. Even if she were to step down from the proportional representative position, the party's secondary candidate would take over, a consequence of the rules governing proportional representatives. This would disadvantage subsequent candidates in the election.

The argument that losing her dual role would disrupt the normal functioning of the party is also valid. Furthermore, retaining the proportional representative position through a loophole while participating in the opposition party, such as the Democratic United Party or the Green Party, is a move that could be difficult for other minority parties to accept.

If the Basic Livelihood Party is indeed essential for the current political landscape in Korea, and if there is no alternative to retaining Yeong Hyo-in's position, she may have to consider resigning from her ministerial role. The reconciliation meeting is meant to evaluate her qualifications and policy competence, not to validate the legitimacy of a proportional representative co-holding a ministerial role.

Yeong Hyo-in should heed the sentiment that the proportional representative resignation is a prerequisite for her participation in the reconciliation meeting.