Election of "Daejeon-South Chungcheong Special Mayor" in Next Year's June 3 Local Elections
Roadmap Outlined for Passage and Promulgation of Integration Bill at Plenary Session in February
Lee Jangwoo, Mayor of Daejeon, stated, "The integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province must be pursued for the revival of the Chungcheong region, regardless of political advantages or disadvantages."
At a press conference held in the city hall briefing room on the morning of the 19th, Mayor Lee said, "I have thoroughly discussed the integration with Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province," and added, "We agreed that, setting aside political interests, this integration is essential for the future of Chungcheong."
Mayor Lee emphasized, "The approach to integrating Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province has been considered from the perspectives of the negative effects of the Seoul metropolitan area's dominance, the risk of local extinction, and balanced national development. There is a strong desire among Chungcheong residents to expand the political landscape, which has long been focused on Yeongnam and Honam, into a three-way axis that includes the Chungcheong region, in order to compete with and counterbalance the dominance of the Seoul metropolitan area. For these reasons, we have given this matter serious consideration from the standpoint of balanced national development."
He continued, "Regardless of President Lee Jaemyung's intentions, I accept them in good faith. The current system of five major local blocs and three special zones cannot be achieved without integration. Through the Chungcheong Metropolitan Union, we have found that, aside from transportation and a few other areas, there is little that can be effectively coordinated. That is why administrative integration is necessary," thus explaining the rationale for integration.
He predicted, "If Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province integrate as a pilot case, I believe that Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, Busan and South Gyeongsang Province, as well as Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, will likely follow suit."
Mayor Lee also said, "I believe that the ideas I have discussed with Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, regarding the integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province are almost identical to President Lee Jaemyung's views. This issue should be viewed solely from the perspective of national development, balanced territorial development, addressing local extinction, and resolving the overconcentration in the Seoul metropolitan area. It should not be interpreted politically," cautioning against political interpretations.
He added, "Even if there are political winners and losers, integration must proceed. For the revival of Chungcheong, this integration is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, who becomes the integrated mayor is a minor issue."
He concluded, "If there is a need for Kim Taeheum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, and myself to divide roles for the future of the Chungcheong region, I believe we should do so," leaving the possibility open.
He also presented a roadmap for the integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province.
Mayor Lee stated, "The ruling party plans to prepare and propose the integration bill for Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province. According to the detailed schedule received from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, a public hearing and review of the bill will be held in January next year, followed by a standing committee review, a decision by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and passage and promulgation of the bill at the plenary session of the National Assembly, all scheduled for February."
He added, "Since the President is committed to the integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province, I believe it will proceed smoothly. I consider integration to be the future of the Chungcheong region and sincerely welcome the President's decision."
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