Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young: "Awakened Citizens and Local Government Cooperation Can Achieve True Local Autonomy"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kang Han-seo] Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young emphasized on the 17th that "true local autonomy can be realized if awakened citizens and local governments work together and cooperate with each other."

Mayor Yeom attended the '2019 Local Autonomy Concert' held at Suwon Convention Center as chairman of the Gyeonggi Mayors and Governors Association, stating "Even in fiscal decentralization, which is the core of local devolution, the central government regards only metropolitan local governments as partners," and pointed out that "in the central government's policy decisions, basic local governments are merely 'simple collaborators' without authority."

In response, Mayor Yeom said "Through the free discussion-style 'Bus Debate 10 to 100' held on the 11th, I saw the possibility that awakened citizens can change the world," and stated "If awakened citizens and local governments unite firmly and cooperate with each other, true local autonomy can be achieved."

The event hosted by the Gyeonggi Mayors and Governors Association consisted of ▲special lectures on "The Role of Basic Local Governments in an Era of Korean Peninsula Peace and Cooperation" (former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok) ▲"Local Devolution Story from a Judge's Perspective" (Judge Lee Choi Chang-seok, Suwon District Court) ▲"Youth Village Activities, Their Meaning and Value" (Representative Moon Sang-chul, Hope Nest Cooperative) and a talk concert on the theme of "The Future Competitiveness of the Republic of Korea Lies in Local Governments."

Mayor Yeom Tae-young emphasized "Grassroots democracy is the beginning of local autonomy and devolution," and stated "For citizens to become true owners of their cities and country, substantive decentralization that grants local governments financial, legislative, administrative, and organizational authority is necessary."