'Power Might Go Out'... Ruling Party's First-Term Lawmakers Hold Study Group on the 'Local Era'

Handonghun "Reducing the Gap Between Seoul Metropolitan Area and Provinces is Important"
Chukyung-ho "Sustainability Impossible if Only One Side Stands Tall"

On the 26th, the People Power Party once again agreed on the need to open a new era of local governance to achieve sustainable growth and bridge the gap between the metropolitan area and other regions.

On the same day, first-term lawmakers of the People Power Party held their fourth study meeting titled "The Era of Local Governance, Sustainable Growth Engine of the Republic of Korea" at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in the morning. Party leaders including Representative Han Dong-hoon, Floor Leader Chu Kyung-ho, Policy Committee Chairman Kim Sang-hoon, and Chief Deputy Floor Leader Bae Jun-young also attended the meeting.

The Yoon Seok-yeol administration launched the Presidential Commission on the Era of Local Governance last July by integrating the National Balanced Development Committee and the Autonomy and Decentralization Committee. It has been establishing reform agendas in areas such as healthcare and education aligned with regional balanced development. Additionally, it actively encourages the expansion of economic living zones through mega-cities, relocation of public institutions and public enterprises, and corporate attraction activities.

However, there have been cases of opposition from some institution employees, lack of political consensus, and conflicts between local governments. For example, although relocating national policy banks such as KDB Industrial Bank to Busan is the official stance of the People Power Party, it has faced opposition from some employees and legislative delays including amendments to the Industrial Bank Act.

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, and attendees are watching a video of President Yoon Seok-yeol at the "People Power Party First-term Lawmakers Study Group Fourth Session - Local Era, Sustainable Growth Engine of the Republic of Korea" held on the 26th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

In his opening remarks, Representative Han shared his experiences campaigning in local elections such as the general election and said, "Many people understand why there is such a gap here by thinking, 'There must be a lack of educational conditions,' or 'It must be because of the lack of quality jobs.'" He explained, "Ultimately, for the Republic of Korea to grow sustainably and become a country we can be proud of, better than now, bridging the gap between the metropolitan area and local regions is truly important."

Floor Leader Chu also emphasized the need for balanced regional development, stating, "We talk about polarization, but a unipolar system, where only one side stands tall, is not sustainable."

Chairman Kim mentioned the necessity of various activities such as listening to local public opinion by lawmakers and seeking solutions for the era of local governance, stressing, "If we run around with sincerity, I believe more and more people will naturally expect and support us."