Chungnam Gov. Kim Tae-heum said on the 9th, "I urge the immediate suspension of the administrative integration debate that has been left with only political motives."
Kim held an emergency press conference this morning after failing to attend the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee hearing, saying, "I tried to participate in the hearing but was ultimately excluded," and "Despite requesting the floor several times, due to the Democratic Party's opposition, even Chungnam residents, who are stakeholders, were not given a chance to present their views."
Kim said, "Administrative integration is about overcoming the Capital Area's single-core system and achieving balanced national development," adding, "Administrative integration that is rife with political motives is something residents will never tolerate."
He also said, "Administrative integration without proper fiscal and authority transfers is nothing but an empty shell," and "Administrative integration is a centennial plan for decentralization and balanced national development, and without permanent transfers of finances and authority, its purpose cannot be realized."
He went on, "Our demand is a permanent annual fiscal transfer of about 9 trillion won, aligned to 100% capital gains taxes, 50% corporate taxes, and 5% value-added taxes," adding, "In addition, exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies, lifting agricultural promotion district designations, and designating national industrial complexes should also be directly transferred at the time of integration so that the region can have the power to open its own future."
In addition, Kim said, "We urge the National Assembly to form a special committee with an equal number from the ruling and opposition parties to discuss the issue," adding, "The authorities we have requested from the central government do not lie only with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS); they are entangled with the interests of various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs."
He continued, "This should not be discussed only at the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee; we hope a special committee will be formed to discuss administrative integration that includes common standards for fiscal and authority transfers."
Kim said, "Now we need a decision from President Lee Jae-myung, who has shown sincerity about administrative integration," adding, "We hope President Lee, who promised to transfer as many special cases and authorities as possible and to adjust the ratio to 65 in national taxes and 35 in local government tax, will step forward personally."