Kim Dong-yeon Meets with Ruling and Opposition Parties' Council: "Please Join Forces for Gyeonggi-do's Safety, Livelihood, and Opportunities"

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (second from the left in the front row), is taking a commemorative photo after having a luncheon meeting with members of the ruling and opposition parties' consultative body at Dodamso on the 8th. Photo by Gyeonggi Provincial Government

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, held a meeting with the members of the 'Ruling and Opposition Council' formed with the Gyeonggi Provincial Council and proposed strengthening cooperation centered on three pillars: livelihood, social disasters, and more opportunities.

At the luncheon meeting of the Ruling and Opposition Council held on the 8th at Dodamso (the former Gyeonggi Governor's official residence), Governor Kim said, "Gyeonggi Province is the first metropolitan local government in the 8th popular election term of the Republic of Korea to create a ruling and opposition council," adding, "I believe Gyeonggi Province can lead in many aspects among metropolitan local governments, and as I have always said, I hope to change Gyeonggi Province to change the Republic of Korea," requesting cooperation.

He continued, "This morning, we conducted an integrated social disaster drill at Suwon Station, and next year, we will continue to prioritize the lives and safety of residents. I believe there will be no disagreement among ruling and opposition lawmakers on this," and added, "Secondly, livelihood. Many small and medium-sized enterprises and venture companies are expected to face significant difficulties in the first half of next year. Vulnerable groups are also struggling. Thank you for handling the supplementary budget well, and I hope we can join forces," urging cooperation on safety and livelihood issues.

He also emphasized, "If there are different views between us to create more, fairer, and better opportunities for Gyeonggi residents, let's discuss them," and said, "I hope this will be an opportunity to meet frequently, communicate, build trust, and strive to give good gifts to the residents."

Yeom Jong-hyun, Chairman of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, said, "Forming the council is indeed a great start and a wonderful signal, but it is not a panacea," adding, "How much trust we build and produce results based on that is another experiment. I will do my best to contribute even a brick on that path."

Kwack Mi-sook, Representative Member of the People Power Party, stated, "It was a time to get to know each other. I ask for your understanding that this was the best way to correct the imbalance that may have occurred when only one party was present during the 10th council. I think if we meet often, affection will grow and we will move in a good direction."

Nam Jong-seop, Representative Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed, "I hope the ruling and opposition council will launch and succeed through mutual efforts. I suggest placing bipartisan personnel in the Office of Political Affairs to enable more work for the residents."

Yeom Tae-young, Deputy Governor for Economy of the province, expressed his thoughts, saying, "It is regrettable that it took more than five months to reach this point," and added, "I am glad that we are working together, even if late."

The ruling and opposition council will perform functions such as agreeing on major policies related to provincial administration, major ordinances and budgets, and policy and strategic projects of the provincial council. Since its launch with a memorandum of understanding on the 25th of last month, it held its first plenary meeting on the 1st and two agenda adjustment meetings on the 5th and 7th.

The council consists of a total of 19 members, including Deputy Governor for Economy Yeom Tae-young and representatives Nam Jong-seop and Kwack Mi-sook as co-chairs; six members from Gyeonggi Province (Governor, Deputy Governor for Economy, Chief Policy Officer, Chief Political Officer, Director of Planning and Coordination Office, Director of Communication and Cooperation Bureau); and 13 members from the Gyeonggi Provincial Council (Council Chairman, Democratic Party and People Power Party representative members, senior vice representatives, policy committee chair, chief spokesperson, Democratic Party political chief and planning chief, People Power Party legal chief and planning chief).

The council will hold a follow-up meeting next month considering the provincial council’s schedule.