2nd Anniversary Press Conference of the 8th Civilian Administration... "Transforming from a Bland Provincial Government to a Strong Chungnam"
"Regrets Remain over the Special Act on Coal-Fired Power Plants and Public Institution Relocation"
Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungnam Province, targeted Han Dong-hoon, former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party who is running in the party leadership race, saying, "If you suffered a crushing defeat in the general election, you should take time to reflect," and added, "I think such a person should not come forward."
Governor Kim made these remarks on the 1st during a press conference marking the 2nd anniversary of the 8th local government at Chungnam Province, in response to a question about the People Power Party's national convention scheduled for the 23rd.
He also said, "I cannot give a high score to the People Power Party as the ruling party over the past two years," adding, "I believe that a vision and agenda for the ruling party in the future of the Republic of Korea are needed first, but looking at the current situation, there are insufficient parts, which is regrettable."
Regarding National Assembly member Jang Dong-hyuk, who is running for the Supreme Council member position, he said, "We need to secure at least one Supreme Council member from the Chungcheong region," and added, "I am negative about running mates, but Jang should be given the opportunity to fulfill the role of Supreme Council member."
Governor Kim evaluated the Chungnam provincial administration over the past two years, saying, "It has transformed from a bland administration to a powerful, dynamic, and strong Chungnam."
He continued, "Chungnam has been losing out in competition with other cities and provinces because it values shame and face, so upon taking office, I set the slogan 'Strong Chungnam, the Power of Korea' due to such regrets," and said, "I believe the older generation must always think about and prepare for future generations, and for that, I have done my best over the past two years, but there are both achievements and regrets."
As achievements of the Chungnam provincial administration over the past two years, he cited △ attracting investment from 163 companies worth 19.3688 trillion won △ receiving the highest rating in pledge evaluations for two consecutive years △ attracting Asan Police Hospital △ attracting the Korea Park Golf Association △ attracting the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute △ attracting a branch of the National Gugak Center △ expanding foreign investment zones △ extending GTX-C to Cheonan-Asan.
The province has promoted the establishment of the Chungnam National University Naepo Campus and Chungnam Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, which had been neglected, as well as the establishment of TBN Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting. The Janghang National Wetland Restoration Project passed preliminary feasibility studies, and the Seosan Airport project budget has been adjusted.
As regrets, he pointed out the failure to pass the Special Act on Coal-Fired Power Plants in the 21st National Assembly and the fact that the roadmap for relocating public institutions has not yet been disclosed.
Governor Kim said, "Through the Special Act on Coal-Fired Power Plants, we prepared a legal basis to enable alternative projects to address issues such as economic contraction during the energy transition process, but it was regrettable that it did not pass in the 21st National Assembly," adding, "We will submit the bill to the 22nd National Assembly and aim to have it passed by the end of this year."
He also said, "It is regrettable that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has not yet announced a roadmap related to the relocation of public institutions," and added, "We requested this from the President in early June and received a response that they will actively proceed, so we will strive to ensure it is promoted during the remaining period."
Regarding the Chungnam Research Institute, where the director vacancy has been prolonged, he pointed out, "It is not functioning as a think tank, and even researchers who receive salaries are earning nearly 100 million won by giving lectures," and criticized, "People affiliated with the Democratic Party are opposing the appointment of the Chungnam Research Institute director."
He added, "It is a bit uncomfortable, but it needs to fester more to be completely operated on, and I think we should give them time to reflect on themselves, so I am leaving it as is."
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