"Bridges and Causeways Are a Matter of Survival Rights...
National Support Must Be Expanded"
Lee Cheol, Vice Chair of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Wando 1), stressed the urgent need for a strategic response at the provincial level to ensure that Jeonnam's key regional issues are reflected in the national policy agenda of the next administration ahead of the upcoming 21st presidential election.
During a five-minute free speech at the second plenary session of the 390th Jeonnam Provincial Assembly extraordinary meeting held on May 9, Vice Chair Lee emphasized, "Since this presidential election is being held due to a vacancy in the presidency, thorough preparation is necessary to ensure that Jeonnam's core issues are incorporated into policy as soon as the president-elect's term begins."
He specifically highlighted major challenges facing Jeonnam, including: expanding national support for island regions not yet connected by bridges and causeways; improving the healthcare system in island areas with insufficient medical infrastructure; and securing national funding to help the abalone industry overcome its current crisis.
Vice Chair Lee stated, "The construction of bridges and causeways is not merely a social overhead capital (SOC) project, but an issue directly linked to the survival rights of island residents," adding, "Effective measures must be implemented, especially as the right to life is threatened by gaps in medical services."
He continued, "The abalone industry was once a key driver of the regional economy, but it now faces a comprehensive crisis due to falling prices and sluggish exports. It is essential to broaden the consumption base through school meals, military supply contracts, and overseas market expansion, and to provide comprehensive national support to stabilize the management of fishers."
He also pointed out, "Although Jeonnam has the largest number of islands in the country, a significant portion of island residents are not properly guaranteed even basic rights such as freedom of movement and the right to health," urging the national government to take direct action to resolve these issues.
Vice Chair Lee emphasized, "This presidential election will be a critical turning point that will determine Jeonnam's future for the next five years," and stressed, "The province must make every effort to ensure that regional issues are included in the national policy agenda immediately after the president is elected."
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