복지와 성장 그리고 안정: 독일의 재정준칙과 법정 최저임금제

This study examines the development process of the statutory minimum wage system for the protection and welfare of low-wage workers and the financial rules as a device for a stable economy, as well as the economic impact of the introduction of these systems on Germany’s economy as an example. Through this, we try to get implications about the minimum wage system, over which there is conflict in Korea every year, from the case of Germany, and the fiscal rules that are being prepared for implementation without social consensus. Fiscal rules and the statutory minimum wage system appear to be heterogeneous policies, but they interact with each other in the macro economy. If the fiscal rules are strictly followed, we are bound to face a reduction in welfare. In this situation, in addition to promoting the welfare of low-wage workers, the minimum wage system can play a role in economic stability. Germany has a tradition of reaching social consensus in the process of introducing and operating these systems. It is meaningful to look at the case of Germany in order to prevent the risk of policy implementation without social consensus in Korea. The order of the paper for this purpose is as follows. First, we examine the development process and operation of the German fiscal rules. Next, the introduction of the statutory minimum wage system in Germany and its development process are reviewed and the impact and implications of the systems on the German economy are examined. Finally, we present the implications of Germany’s experiences for Korea.