Gwangju Kyungsilryeon "Moon Government, Clock Stopped on Additional Public Institution Relocation"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The Gwangju Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice urged on the 26th that the Moon Jae-in administration must promptly promote the additional relocation of public institutions for balanced development.

The Gwangju Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice emphasized at 2 p.m. in front of the Blue House that "the term of the Moon Jae-in administration is coming to an end" and called for the relocation plan to be finalized within the term.

The coalition stated, "We had expectations following Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum's remark that there would be a presidential decision on additional relocation of public institutions this fall."

However, they expressed concern that "the clock for the additional relocation of public institutions, which was a hope for the provinces, is now about to stop."

In particular, they pointed out that "the number of public institutions and companies in the innovation cities is very small," noting that "only 112 public institutions have relocated to the 10 innovation cities."

This means that the scale is far too small for innovation cities to exert the power to drive regional development.

The Gwangju Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice cited estimates from related authorities, explaining that the number of additional public institutions to be relocated ranges from 122 to 210, and the number of companies invested in or funded by public institutions is 279.

They pressured the government and ruling party again, stating, "The Special Act on Balanced National Development stipulates all necessary matters for the creation and fostering of innovation cities."

They argued, "Decisive moments have been avoided so far due to concerns about union opposition or fear of electoral impact," and "political judgment has overshadowed the greater cause of balanced development."

Furthermore, they urged, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport must promptly establish a relocation plan and have it reviewed by the National Balanced Development Committee and the Cabinet."

They also requested local government heads to "actively demand the additional relocation of public institutions."