Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung Joins '#Local Autonomy Hopeful' Challenge

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun Reporter] Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung participated in the '#Local Autonomy Hopeful' challenge on the 18th, which expresses hopes for realizing resident-centered local autonomy.

Nominated by Chungcheongbuk Governor Lee Si-jong, Governor Lee participated in the challenge by posting a photo holding a sign inscribed with 'Local Autonomy 2.0 era, the path of just local autonomy with no wronged people or neglected regions' and an encouraging message on his official social media accounts.

The governor stated, "The era of just local autonomy with no wronged people or regions is an inevitable path," and added, "Going forward, I will advance without hesitation along the path of local governance where the vivid voices and wisdom of regional citizens are genuinely reflected."

He further noted, "I will honor the legacy of former President Kim Dae-jung, who opened the era of local autonomy through 13 days of hunger strike risking his life 31 years ago."

Amid rising expectations for expanded citizen participation and the realization of local autonomy through the first comprehensive amendment to the Local Autonomy Act in 32 years and the implementation of the local police system for the first time in 75 years, the '#Local Autonomy Hopeful' challenge, which was launched by the Presidential Commission on Local Autonomy in December of last year to herald the opening of the local autonomy 2.0 era, is being carried forward mainly by local governments and related organizations nationwide.

The challenge is conducted by taking a certification photo containing free opinions and hopes regarding the 'local autonomy 2.0 era,' posting the photo and opinions on the participant's social media accounts, and designating the next participant.

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung designated Incheon Mayor Park Nam-chun and Gyeonggi Province Superintendent of Education Lee Jae-jeong as the next participants in the challenge.