After Rep. Lee Hae-chan's Remarks on Relocating Public Institutions… Ruling Party Accelerates While Opposition Criticizes Dividing the Nation

Following Democratic Party Rep. Lee Hae-chan's remarks in his party address yesterday about relocating public institutions to regional areas, the Democratic Party has begun accelerating its efforts, while the opposition party has objected, claiming the move amounts to "dividing the nation."

The Democratic Party's actions have picked up pace following Rep. Lee's remarks. Hong Ick-pyo, the Democratic Party's chief spokesman, stated that while the remarks were not directed at any specific agency, "we must accelerate efforts to classify which public institutions are capable of relocation to regional areas."

The relocation of public institutions is something that should be pursued with momentum, as it was implemented during the Roh Moo-hyun administration through the enactment of the Special Act on Balanced National Development.

Rep. Choi In-ho of the Democratic Party is preparing an amendment to the "Balanced National Development Act" centered on the relocation of public institutions to regional areas.

However, the Liberty Korea Party criticized the move as partisanship aimed at winning "regional votes" with the upcoming general election two years away in mind.

Kim Yong-tae, secretary general of the Liberty Korea Party, stated, "The relocation of public institutions is not an urgent priority—the government should focus on resolving the economic collapse created by the income-led growth policy."

The Bareun Mirae Party expressed support for the relocation of public institutions but emphasized the need for speed control, arguing that sophisticated plans and countermeasures are necessary.