Chungnam Gov. Kim Tae-heum and Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo pushed back on the 16th against the government's announcement of incentives for administrative integration.
At a news conference that day, Gov. Kim said, "Regarding the Daejeon–Chungnam administrative integration, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced various incentive plans, including financial support, but it is disappointing."
He went on, "The government's policy is far different from and falls short of the 257 special provisions that include the transfer of authority and finances requested by Daejeon City and South Chungcheong Province," adding, "In terms of financial support, we requested 8.8 trillion won, including the transfer of capital gains taxes, corporate taxes, and value-added taxes, but it falls far short."
Earlier, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said at a morning news conference at Government Complex Seoul announcing incentives to be granted when metropolitan local governments integrate administratively, "We will prepare an exceptional financial support plan of up to 5 trillion won per year for the integrated special city, up to 20 trillion won over four years."
Gov. Kim said, "Providing support temporarily for four years without legislating a comprehensive tax overhaul will make it difficult to operate the integrated city in the mid to long term," adding, "In a word, it is nothing more than sugarcoating to soothe a crying child."
Mayor Lee also held a news conference that day and said, "It says 20 trillion won will be provided, 5 trillion won each year for four years, but it does not state whether the expense of relocating public institutions is included." He added, "Can city and provincial residents really accept this?" and "Rather than a broad outline, the support plan for the integrated city should be finalized by stipulating it in a newly drafted special law."
Both Gov. Kim and Mayor Lee urged President Lee Jae-myung to shift policy. Gov. Kim said, "This is nothing more than a compilation of opinions from ministries that are unwilling to relinquish central authority, and we hope President Lee Jae-myung will study and decide on the bill proposed by Daejeon City and South Chungcheong Province." Mayor Lee also said, "I think this is a briefing that falls short of the president's bold promise to transfer authority and provide support," adding, "The government must present an integration bill that matches President Lee Jae-myung's intent."