Next Year’s National Participatory Budget: Total 190 Items... Demand of 584.3 Billion Won

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on the 15th that a total of 190 projects amounting to 584.3 billion won were requested by 35 ministries, agencies, and offices for next year's National Participatory Budget. Compared to this year's budget, the number of projects increased by 24.2%, and the amount increased by 8.1%.

Among the 190 projects, 139 are proposal-type projects, selected through eligibility screening by each ministry and discussions with private experts from a total of 1,589 proposals received from the public over the past year. Additionally, 51 discussion-type projects were identified through online and offline public participation discussions on major social issues.

Among the National Participatory Budget projects, those closely related to daily life, such as child expansion and food safety, were the most numerous. There were also many projects supporting socially and economically vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, low-income families, and at-risk youth. Projects aimed at revitalizing the economy, including job creation and strengthening corporate and industrial competitiveness, were also included.

Whether these projects will be reflected in next year's government budget will be decided through review and preference voting by the Budget National Participation Group composed of ordinary citizens. The final selected projects will be submitted to the National Assembly by September 3.