Korean Prime Minister: "Swiftly Implement Legislation for Decentralization of Central Authority to Local Governments"

South Korean Prime Minister Orders Active Implementation of 'Yoon Seok-yeol's Local Decentralization'

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged each ministry on the 14th to actively implement the ‘Yoon Seok-yeol-style decentralization of power to local governments.’

At the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the same day, Prime Minister Han said about the ‘Plan to Promote the Transfer of Central Government Authority to Local Governments’ announced by the government on the 10th, “How sincerely this is pursued will be a barometer measuring the government’s determination toward the era of local autonomy.” Earlier in the meeting, the government decided to transfer 57 central government authorities in six sectors to local governments.

Prime Minister Han instructed central ministries to implement legislation and discover additional tasks, and asked local governments to utilize their authorities to contribute to growth. He added that the central government and local governments will communicate and cooperate frequently as partners in national governance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han emphasized the Central-Local Cooperation Council as a ‘second Cabinet meeting,’ explaining, “Local and central governments gathered in one place to deliberate on creating an ‘era of local autonomy where it is good to live anywhere.’” He said, “As a result, we selected priority tasks for transferring central government authority to local governments. Now, the important thing is execution,” raising his voice.

Regarding the earthquake in Turkey, he conveyed the government’s intention to “stand together for the recovery and restoration of the affected areas as a responsible member of the international community.” Prime Minister Han also requested, “I ask the public service community to take the lead and set an example through their interest and participation.”

On the macroeconomic situation, he stated, “The domestic and international conditions are difficult, and the burden felt by the people is very great,” but added, “However, we have a lot of experience and know-how in turning crises into opportunities.”

Prime Minister Han said, “At times like this, close communication between the government and the people is important. Ministries will sufficiently explain the changed policy conditions to the public.” He also repeatedly emphasized that each ministry must strengthen its public communication functions and prepare detailed measures for socially vulnerable groups.