People Power Party Gyeongnam Provincial Party: "Support for Governor Park Wansu’s Position, Push for Administrative Integration Through Resident Referendum"

Agreement on the Proposal to Legislate the "Basic Act on Metropolitan Local Government Integration"

On January 26, the Gyeongnam Provincial Party of the People Power Party issued a statement supporting the position of Governor Park Wansu of South Gyeongsang Province, who emphasized that a resident referendum and the guarantee of status and authority for the unified metropolitan local government must take priority in the process of pursuing administrative integration between South Gyeongsang and Busan.

The Gyeongnam Provincial Party of the People Power Party expressed its support for the administrative integration of South Gyeongsang and Busan, stating, "In a situation where regional imbalance caused by the concentration in the capital area is prolonged, cooperation and integration between metropolitan areas can be considered as alternatives to enhance regional competitiveness and achieve balanced national development."

The party further stated, "Discussions on integration must be based on the premise of strengthening local autonomy and authority," and emphasized, "The most important standard in promoting integration is the principle of putting residents at the center."

They also noted, "The administrative integration of South Gyeongsang and Busan is not limited to adjustments of administrative districts but will affect all aspects of living areas, economic zones, finances, and autonomy," adding, "Procedural legitimacy and the will of the residents must be ensured."

"Residents are the main agents, the beneficiaries, and the ultimate decision-makers of integration," they said, warning, "Integration without resident participation can lead to conflict and distrust."

People Power Party Gyeongnam Provincial Party. Photo by Lee Seryeong

The Gyeongnam Provincial Party also expressed support for Governor Park Wansu’s remarks and position that, "In administrative integration, the central government should not simply act as a mediator but must clearly present the status and roadmap for the unified local government."

They further stressed that both Governor Park’s proposal to legislate the 'Basic Act on Metropolitan Local Government Integration' to expand decentralization and autonomy and institutionalize integration criteria, as well as his emphasis on securing legitimacy through a resident referendum as a core principle of integration, are essential standards that must be upheld in integration discussions.

The party stated, "Integration should be pursued through a bottom-up process that prioritizes residents’ consent and choice, rather than being driven by central government plans or political timetables."

They also added, "For integration to have a real effect under the current local autonomy system, strengthening of autonomy and the transfer of authority must go hand in hand," emphasizing, "If core powers such as fiscal authority, organizational authority, and legislative authority are not granted to the unified local government, it will be difficult to contribute to enhancing regional competitiveness."

Additionally, they pointed out the need to prepare in advance for the design of the administrative system and the maintenance of services after integration, taking into account the differences in industrial bases and administrative structures between South Gyeongsang and Busan.

The party stated, "Integration should be approached from a long-term perspective of improving residents’ lives, regional competitiveness, and balanced national development, rather than for short-term administrative efficiency or political achievement," and stressed, "Adequate public discussion, information disclosure, and procedures for resident participation must be guaranteed."

They also warned, "Discussions on integration should not be approached as a political race for speed or be centered on slogans," and said, "The standard for successful integration of South Gyeongsang and Busan is not speed but direction, and not slogans but residents’ satisfaction and substantive content."

Finally, the party concluded, "Integration that does not guarantee tangible benefits for residents and the enhancement of regional competitiveness cannot be justified," and added, "Administrative integration of South Gyeongsang and Busan will be meaningful only when it is integration for the residents, decided by the residents, and for the future of the residents."