The 10th Seoul Metropolitan Council Opens the 300th Extraordinary Session on the 19th... Reflecting on the Historic Day Marking the 30th Anniversary of Local Autonomy Restoration and the 300th Session
Chairman Kim In-ho Opening Address at the 300th Extraordinary Session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Kim In-ho, Chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, stated in his opening remarks at the temporary session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council held on the 19th, "The first task we must overcome together is 'overcoming and ending COVID-19.'"
Chairperson Kim emphasized, "Fortunately, we have successful experience from the past year. Based on that experience, the two-track approach remains valid. We must suppress the virus's momentum through 'thorough quarantine' and eradicate the virus through 'intensive vaccination.'"
He continued, "Mayor Oh proposed the 'Seoul-style social distancing' as his first action after taking office. As detailed measures, he mentioned the introduction of self-diagnosis kits and customized quarantine guidelines by industry." He added, "Who would not share the pain and consideration for self-employed and small business owners suffering from COVID-19? However, we must wisely and calmly judge which measures could be shortcuts toward complete eradication and whether there will be any side effects."
He stressed the need for utmost caution so that the new social distancing method does not foster complacency and cause the situation to regress.
Chairperson Kim said, "The Seoul Metropolitan Council, which has prioritized the safety of Seoul citizens and worked proactively, will repeatedly deliberate on what measures will truly be cooperative quarantine."
"Fortunately, the current vaccination situation in Seoul is progressing sequentially without setbacks. Although the vaccination rate is still low considering herd immunity in the second half of the year, the trend of COVID-19 deaths and critically ill patients has declined, and confirmed cases in nursing hospitals and care facilities have significantly decreased," he said. "However, this is by no means a stage to be complacent about. Above all, we understand citizens' concerns about vaccine supply."
He also urged, "While the central government reduces uncertainties in vaccine supply, local governments should once again review everything from vaccine quantities to vaccination methods and post-vaccination management."
Chairperson Kim identified the second task we must overcome together as stabilizing people’s livelihoods. He expressed deep concern as he observed self-employed and small business owners trapped in dead ends, noting that many self-employed people are walking through a dark tunnel with no end in sight, not only those in industries subject to gathering bans or restrictions.
He added, "If there are losses of self-employed people that were not compensated even by the previous crisis relief funds, we will continue to classify them, and at the same time, we must consider ways to increase the consumption capacity of all citizens." He said, "While I listen to Mayor Oh’s proposed guaranteed income plan, if the end of that consideration is 'basic income,' I suggest considering expanding the scope of beneficiaries for this year’s support."
Full text of Chairperson Kim In-ho’s Opening Remarks
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Respected and beloved ten million citizens,
Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon,
related public officials, and senior and fellow council members!
Thank you for attending the 300th temporary session of the 10th Seoul Metropolitan Council.
Along with the 30th anniversary of the revival of local autonomy,
today marks a historic day as the 300th session.
It is truly joyful and grateful that the council, the executive branch, and the education office can gather together to commemorate such a meaningful day.
Through 300 meetings, the Seoul Metropolitan Council has deliberated and debated the concerns and tasks of city administration,
and I am confident that the lives of Seoul citizens, the city community of Seoul,
and grassroots democracy in the Republic of Korea have all advanced step by step.
The journey of 300 sessions has been a rugged and steep path.
In 1956, the Seoul Metropolitan Council was inaugurated with dreams of democratic governance,
but was brutally dissolved by armed power within five years,
and had to endure years of stagnation and hardship.
However, as a result of persistent democratization struggles over 30 years,
the Seoul Metropolitan Council was finally revived, ending one-way administration,
listening to the voices of the weak to reduce alienation and discrimination,
and realizing a Seoul where mutual respect and harmony advance.
Thus, we have reached the 30th anniversary of the revival of local councils.
And from this year onward, we must join hands to explore another 30 years
to build a cutting-edge advanced city, a global Seoul.
We will smoothly implement the revision of the Local Autonomy Act,
and strengthen the council’s substance with responsibilities commensurate with its authority.
Here, I promise that we will be reborn as a new council that meets citizens’ expectations and suits a global Seoul.
Now, our Seoul stands at a new starting line.
Congratulations to Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who was elected in the recent Seoul mayoral by-election.
Contrary to concerns due to different political parties,
the Seoul Metropolitan Council is determined to move forward in a cooperative relationship
solely to protect 'the safety and happiness of citizens'!
And to realize the great global city of Seoul!
We have many tasks to solve together.
First, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases nationwide fluctuates around 600,
and Seoul’s confirmed cases have exceeded 200.
At this rate, the fourth wave is a concern.
The first task we must overcome together is 'overcoming and ending COVID-19.'
Fortunately, we have successful experience from the past year.
Based on that experience, the two-track approach remains valid.
We must suppress the virus’s momentum through 'thorough quarantine,'
and eradicate the virus through 'intensive vaccination.'
Mayor Oh proposed the 'Seoul-style social distancing' as his first action after taking office.
As detailed measures, he mentioned the introduction of self-diagnosis kits
and customized quarantine guidelines by industry.
Who would not share the pain and consideration for self-employed and small business owners suffering from COVID-19?
However, we must wisely and calmly judge which measures could be shortcuts toward complete eradication and whether there will be any side effects.
We must be extremely cautious so that the new social distancing method does not foster complacency and cause the situation to regress.
The Seoul Metropolitan Council, which has prioritized the safety of Seoul citizens and worked proactively,
will repeatedly deliberate on what measures will truly be cooperative quarantine.
Fortunately, the current vaccination situation in Seoul is progressing sequentially without setbacks.
Although the vaccination rate is still low considering herd immunity in the second half of the year,
the trend of COVID-19 deaths and critically ill patients has declined,
and confirmed cases in nursing hospitals and care facilities have significantly decreased.
However, this is by no means a stage to be complacent about.
Above all, we understand citizens' concerns about vaccine supply.
While the central government reduces uncertainties in vaccine supply,
local governments should once again review everything from vaccine quantities to vaccination methods and post-vaccination management.
The second task we must overcome together is stabilizing people’s livelihoods.
We are deeply concerned as we see self-employed and small business owners trapped in dead ends.
Not only those in industries subject to gathering bans or restrictions,
but many self-employed people are walking through a dark tunnel with no end in sight.
If there are losses of self-employed people that were not compensated even by the previous crisis relief funds,
we will continue to classify them, and at the same time, we must consider ways to increase the consumption capacity of all citizens.
While I listen to Mayor Oh’s proposed guaranteed income plan,
if the end of that consideration is 'basic income,'
I suggest considering expanding the scope of beneficiaries for this year’s support.
Furthermore, in this era of great transformation due to COVID-19,
various new occupations are emerging.
At the end of last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Council,
in line with the times, became the first metropolitan council nationwide
to enact an ordinance supporting essential workers,
and the executive branch has also formed a dedicated team to respond.
Support for essential workers suffering unprecedented heavy workloads
and platform workers creating new momentum beyond traditional frameworks
must be further expanded.
Seoul must not retreat at all in reading the new paradigm of labor
and guaranteeing the value of labor within the institutional framework.
I look forward to the mayor’s concrete blueprint for labor policy in the future.
Our third task is 'expanding welfare.'
Viewing each citizen as an individual and ensuring their dignity by stabilizing their lives
is the most important mission of local government.
Fortunately, the past decade has been a time to lay the foundation for universal welfare
so that everyone can feel the careful touch of public support.
This year, first-year high school students will also benefit from eco-friendly free school meals,
eliminating the wounds caused by food insecurity in schools.
Free high school education, entrance support funds, and youth allowances
have strengthened the hope of all students.
I am glad that the mayor shares the same heart toward more detailed welfare.
Especially, the welfare blueprint for young generations including youth was very concrete and impressive.
Therefore, to bring new hope to each household,
I propose to the mayor that we consider 'free meals for kindergartens' as well,
at least to overcome low birth rates.
Education sites should be firmly bound by universal welfare,
but kindergarten is still a part where application is minimal.
In this era of low birth rates, where the cost makes having children fearful,
we must expand public solidarity for our future.
Free meals for kindergartens are an indispensable step.
This is not to forcibly include kindergartens to complete free meals,
but to consider it as one of the phased policies to reduce the burden of child-rearing.
Respected citizens,
senior and fellow council members, and related public officials!
It is said that Rome, after victory, did not build walls but opened roads!
The Seoul Metropolitan Council and Seoul city must not build walls of political parties and ideologies.
We must not be trapped within those walls. Let us open roads and move forward.
Let us all pave the way together for the completion of the thousand-year capital Seoul.
Our Seoul Metropolitan Council will proceed with the determination to pave the roads of people’s livelihoods
and open the path to build the future Seoul.
Based on mutual trust and cooperation,
we will always accompany the steps toward a stronger and safer Seoul.
Thank you.
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