"Collapsed Oversight, Growing Power"... 'Local Autonomy Rebooting' Forum Held in Gwangju

"Absence of Oversight... Council Monopoly Structure Must Be Reformed"
Calls for Diversity Through Introduction of Medium-Sized Constituencies and Regional Parties
"Growing Power of Local Leaders, Council Marginalization Cannot Be Ignored"

The minimum requirement for revitalizing local councils is oversight and checks. Civic groups in Gwangju, reflecting on 30 years of local autonomy, have called for institutional reforms to break the monopoly structure and revitalize inactive councils, as well as for the strengthening of citizen monitoring systems.

On the morning of the 23rd, Participatory Autonomy 21 and the Legislative Innovation Group held the 'Local Autonomy Rebooting, Legislative Innovation 1st Forum' in the Mudeung Hall on the 2nd floor of Gwangju City Hall, where they discussed the causes of the crisis in local politics and possible solutions. Both keynote speakers and panelists unanimously pointed out that the oversight and checking functions of local councils have effectively disappeared, and highlighted the recurring structural problems in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions.

Participants are engaged in a discussion at the 'Local Autonomy Rebooting Legislative Innovation 1st Forum' held at Gwangju City Hall on the 23rd. Photo by Song Bohyun

Participants in the forum included Cho Jinsang, Co-Chair of the Gwangju Environmental Movement Association; Ha Aenam, Director of General Affairs at the Gwangju Progressive Solidarity; Jeon Daehong, Secretary General of the Gwangju Branch of the National Public Officials Union; So Jaeseop, former member of the Gwangju Buk-gu Council; and Lee Jonguk, Head of the Gwangju Branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. They continued with presentations and discussions.

Cho Jinsang, who delivered the keynote presentation, diagnosed that "local councils have lost their original role of keeping the heads of local governments in check." He proposed alternatives such as expanding the medium-sized constituency system, easing requirements for the establishment of regional parties, and introducing a quasi-linked proportional representation system. He emphasized that "electoral system reform is needed to ensure political diversity."

Ha Aenam, in a presentation titled 'The Crisis of Local Councils Through Case Studies,' stated, "There is no better monitoring and legislative oversight than the interest shown by residents and citizens," and added, "In reality, such aspects are lacking, so there are many areas where we must work together." He continued, "The Legislative Innovation Group will also do its utmost to address these shortcomings and further upgrade the system."

Jeon Daehong, Secretary General of the Gwangju Branch of the National Public Officials Union, pointed out the ineffectiveness of disciplinary standards in local councils, stating, "Punishments for council members involved in misconduct are too lenient." He added, "Even when legislative activity allowances are reduced, the regulations differ by council," and argued, "The Local Autonomy Act should be revised to allow for stricter punishment of serious misconduct that becomes a social issue."

Regarding electoral system reform, Lee Jonguk suggested, "It is necessary to introduce the medium-sized constituency system in metropolitan councils as well." He explained, "For example, if there are five council members in Gwangsan-gu, we could consider operating it as a single constituency," and proposed, "In basic councils, if there is a three-member constituency, institutional measures such as limiting each party to nominating only one candidate could help reduce party monopolies."

So Jaeseop, former council member, addressed the argument that basic councils are unnecessary, saying, "While this view resonates with residents, in reality, the powers of the heads of local governments are excessively large." He pointed out, "In the case of Buk-gu, Gwangju, it has been over five years since the main budget exceeded 1 trillion won, and the powers exercised by the head of the local government, such as personnel authority and budget formulation, are increasing every year." He emphasized, "The only mechanism capable of monitoring and checking these powers is the local council." He added, "If council members' misconduct is a problem, the number of wrongdoings committed by the heads of local governments is far greater. Eliminating the oversight system altogether just because the council is not fulfilling its role would be even more dangerous."