"The Special Law Determines Success or Failure...
For Integration, Substance Matters More Than Speed;
Now Is the Time for the Bill"
Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, on December 30 drew a clear line regarding political interpretations surrounding his potential candidacy for the mayor of a unified Daejeon-Chungnam, emphasizing that any integration without guarantees of fiscal resources and delegated authority is bound to fail. He stated that the success or failure of administrative integration depends not on politics, but on the contents of the special law.
In a year-end press conference held at the provincial government office that day, Governor Kim said, "Daejeon and Chungnam can only create real development synergy and secure new growth engines through integration," adding, "Based on that judgment, we have been pushing for administrative integration."
Regarding the recent acceleration of integration discussions, he assessed, "The integration talks, which had been stalled due to the Democratic Party's passive stance, reached a turning point when President Lee Jaemyung mentioned integration and delivered a message to lawmakers from Daejeon and Chungnam."
However, he made it clear that political shifts do not automatically lead to the completion of integration.
Governor Kim said, "Positions can change, but politicians must be responsible for their words," adding, "If there are changes, the reasons must be explained accurately and honestly."
He particularly stressed, "Although administrative integration is gaining momentum, the key issue is the content of the special law," and emphasized, "Integration without fiscal resources and delegated authority is meaningless."
Governor Kim stated, "The transfer of fiscal resources and authority is the core driver of Daejeon-Chungnam integration and the starting point for expanding local autonomy," warning, "If this aspect is diluted or overlooked and the bill is hastily processed, the integration will be nothing more than an empty shell in name only."
He continued, "It is an important responsibility for the remainder of my term to raise issues and respond so that any integration plan lacking proper transfer of fiscal resources and authority does not pass the National Assembly," adding, "I cannot agree with an integration that is headed in the wrong direction."
Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's "Five Core Regions, Three Special Zones" national balanced development initiative, he offered a cautious assessment.
Governor Kim said, "I acknowledge the intention to achieve balanced development through leading integration," but added, "I cannot help but be concerned about the possibility that this issue could become politicized during the National Assembly's deliberation process."
He requested, "I urge the media to continue to monitor and raise issues so that the bill can be finalized in a way that genuinely transfers fiscal resources and authority and strengthens local autonomy."
Regarding whether he would run for the mayor of the unified Daejeon-Chungnam, Governor Kim stated, "The decision on the bill must come first," adding, "Even if people are discussed after the bill is finalized, it will not be too late. For now, the bill takes priority above all else."
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