People Power Party Chungnam Chapter Urges Democratic Party to Stop False Framing of 'Maehyang' and '20 Trillion Won'

Press Conference and Protest Rally Held at Chungnam Provincial Government Office
"Opposing a Hollow Special Act Lacking Fiscal and Authority Transfers"

"Integration Impossible Without Explicit Provision for Permanent Fiscal Transfers"
Governor Kim Taeheum Reaffirms His Position

The Chungnam Provincial Chapter of the People Power Party has strongly countered the Democratic Party's criticism regarding the postponement of the special act on administrative integration between Chungnam and Daejeon, calling for a public debate.

On the morning of March 3 at 10:30 a.m., the Chungnam Provincial Chapter held a press conference at the Chungnam Provincial Government office, followed by a protest rally in front of the Provincial Government’s Culture and Arts Center at 11 a.m.

During the event, the chapter described the Democratic Party’s use of the term “Maehyang” (selling out one’s hometown) and its claim that “20 trillion won was kicked away” as “false framing politics that distorts the essence of the issue.”

The chapter stated, “We did not oppose the administrative integration itself, but rather opposed a rushed, hollow special act that lacked fiscal and authority transfers,” and demanded, “Stop inciting division among residents through provocative expressions immediately.”

In particular, regarding the Democratic Party’s claim that “20 trillion won in fiscal support was rejected,” they countered, “Nowhere in the special act is a 20 trillion won fiscal support provision explicitly stated,” adding, “Passing the blame based on a bill that does not even specify the method of funding or distribution criteria is self-contradictory.”

The chapter insisted, “Pursuing only a nominal integration without legally ensuring Chungnam’s authority and finances is a disregard for the province’s future,” and called for “permanent fiscal and substantive authority transfers to be explicitly stipulated in the special act.”

Participants at the event said, “We cannot accept a fake integration that does not ensure residents’ opinions are collected or substantive unification,” and argued, “We must pursue substantive integration that guarantees fiscal resources and authority, not an empty shell integration.”

The Chungnam Provincial Chapter of the People Power Party urged the Democratic Party to: ▲immediately stop the false framing of ‘Maehyang’ and ‘kicking away 20 trillion won’, ▲cease divisive rhetoric and negative campaigning among residents, ▲explicitly stipulate permanent fiscal and authority transfers in the special act, and ▲respond promptly to public policy debates.

The chapter concluded, “We cannot accept any integration unless Chungnam’s autonomy and residents’ rights are fully guaranteed,” and declared, “Through principled integration, we will lead balanced development across the Republic of Korea.”