Governor Kim Taeheum: "Progress in Fiscal Expansion, Key Special Provisions Must Be Included in Special Law"

Governor Evaluates 65:35 National-Local Fiscal Allocation
Calls for Exemption from Feasibility Studies, Designation of National Industrial Complexes, and Transfer of Special Administrative Agencies

Governor Kim Taeheum

Governor Kim Taeheum of South Chungcheong Province welcomed President Lee Jaemyung's announcement on January 21 regarding the expansion of fiscal allocation in connection with the integration of metropolitan administrations, calling it "significant progress."

However, he emphasized that the transfer of fiscal resources and authority should not be a temporary measure, but should be institutionalized permanently, and that key special provisions must be reflected in the special law.

In a statement released on January 22, Governor Kim said, "The President's mention of adjusting the current national-local fiscal resource allocation ratio from 72:28 to around 65:35 falls short of our demand for a 60:40 ratio, but it is clearly a meaningful step forward."

He continued, "For the integration of metropolitan administrations to yield tangible results, the transfer of fiscal resources and authority must be established as a permanent and sustainable system, not as a temporary or selective measure," adding, "It is most important to clearly stipulate this in the law."

Governor Kim particularly expressed regret that key special provisions essential for the rapid development of integrated city infrastructure and policy projects were not mentioned in the current discussions.

He cited exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies and local fiscal investment reviews, the removal of agricultural promotion area designations, the designation of national industrial complexes, special provisions for research and development zones, and the transfer of special local administrative agencies to local governments, stressing, "These special provisions are essential conditions for the success of metropolitan administrative integration."

He added, "To secure real momentum for development after integration, I hope the President will take a closer look at these key special provisions once again."

Governor Kim also urged both the ruling and opposition parties to "form a special committee in the National Assembly to ensure responsible discussions so that not only the matters mentioned by the President, but also the key special provisions requested by local governments, are fully reflected in the special law."