"Strongly Welcoming President Jaemyung Lee's Clear Commitment to Integration"
Jangwoo Lee, Mayor of Daejeon, stated, "The administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam is a historic decision that will determine the future competitiveness of South Korea," adding, "We actively welcome the President's clear expression of intent regarding the Daejeon-Chungnam administrative integration initiative."
On December 18, through an official statement, Mayor Lee said, "The Daejeon city government supports and agrees with President Jaemyung Lee's remarks on the Daejeon-Chungnam administrative integration initiative, which he shared during a luncheon with ruling party lawmakers from Daejeon and Chungnam on December 18."
Mayor Lee emphasized that the administrative integration of Daejeon and Chungnam will serve as a significant turning point for achieving genuine decentralization, not just in words but in practice, by establishing a new local government endowed with real authority over personnel, finances, and organizational matters.
He further stated, "The discussion on integration is a timely demand that goes beyond political interests and aims to design a sustainable growth structure not only for the Chungcheong region but also for the entire country." He stressed, "It is a national task to build a mega-regional economic and living zone that can compete with the capital area, and to elevate the Chungcheong region as a new axis of national growth."
He added, "The Daejeon city government will work closely with Chungnam and the central government to ensure that the optimal integration plan, fully reflecting the region’s strengths and competitiveness, is prepared in the National Assembly. Together with our citizens, we will steadfastly prepare for the establishment of the 'Special City of Daejeon-Chungnam' as a solid foundation for the next 100 years of the Chungcheong region's future."
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