Cho Kuk Innovation Party: "Relying on Central Government Funds Without Strategy"
"Honam Politics Should Focus on Improving Citizens' Lives"
The Gwangju branch of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party evaluated President Lee Jae Myung's town hall meeting in the Honam region, stating that "the lack of strategy on the part of local governments was clearly exposed."
President Lee Jae Myung is speaking at the 'Gwangju Citizens and Jeonnam Province Residents Town Hall Meeting' held on the 25th at the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 27th, the Gwangju branch issued a statement saying, "The President's decision to select Honam as the first region for the regional balanced development town hall meeting demonstrates his commitment not to ignore the region's long-standing marginalization and stagnation," and added, "It was also a site of 'open politics' that returned the right to speak to the citizens."
However, the branch also pointed out, "When the President asked about development plans for the southwestern region, local government heads failed to address the core issues, instead resorting to self-praise and promoting their achievements." The Gwangju branch stated, "In their responses regarding future industries such as renewable energy, semiconductors, and AI, there was a lack of on-the-ground specificity and thoroughness," and added, "A strategy to overcome the 'Pyeongtaek Limitation Line' gap with the Seoul metropolitan area was nowhere to be found during the Q&A process."
The response methods of local governments were also criticized. The Gwangju branch said, "It was confirmed that local governments are still repeating a performative approach, focusing solely on 'everything leads to central government funding' and the 'prestige of attracting national industrial complexes.'" The branch further pointed out, "This town hall meeting starkly highlighted the gap between an innovative president and lethargic local governments."
President Lee Jae Myung is receiving questions from participants during the 'Gwangju Citizens and Jeonnam Residents Town Hall Meeting' at the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News
The Gwangju branch emphasized, "It is no longer possible to persuade citizens simply by blaming the central government or budget constraints," and added, "With a habitual approach that relies on central government funding without any strategy, substantial development will be difficult, no matter how strong the will of the central government may be."
The branch also stated, "The value of politics lies in changing the lives of citizens," and added, "We hope that, starting with this town hall meeting, Honam politics will be restructured in a way that genuinely benefits the lives of citizens."
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