North Korea's revised constitution drops decades-old propaganda claims
North Korea has revised its constitution, removing long-standing claims about its society and governance. The changes mark a shift in how the state presents itself, both to its citizens and the outside world. Key alterations include the removal of assertions about employment, taxation, and state-provided housing. The updated constitution no longer states that North Koreans 'did not know unemployment.' It also deletes the claim that the country levies no taxes. Another major change is the removal of the state’s obligation to provide housing for its people.
The document now acknowledges the division of the Korean Peninsula into two separate states. This is the first time the constitution has formally recognised South Korea’s existence. Leadership legitimacy has also been redefined. The constitution no longer ties the leader’s authority to hereditary succession. Instead, power now officially comes from their role as chairman of the State Affairs Commission. Kim Jong-un is now referred to as 'head of state' rather than 'supreme leader.' The state’s healthcare system, previously described as fully functional, is now admitted to be dysfunctional. This admission could pave the way for reforms, including the introduction of a health insurance system. The changes may also allow for a more open discussion of economic and social challenges within the country. Analysts suggest these revisions could signal a move toward a more conventional dictatorship, similar to those seen in Gaddafi’s Libya or Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. The removal of exaggerated claims may reduce the need for state propaganda to maintain impossible standards.
The constitutional revisions alter how North Korea describes its governance and society. They remove unrealistic promises and acknowledge existing problems. These changes could lead to practical reforms, such as a structured job market and healthcare system, while reshaping the legal basis of leadership.
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