Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young: "Decentralization-Oriented Constitutional Amendment Can Advance Local Autonomy"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Mayor Yom Tae-young emphasized the importance of a decentralization-oriented constitutional amendment and fiscal decentralization for the advancement of local autonomy.

Mayor Yom attended and presented his views at the Gyeonggi and Incheon Regional Grand Forum titled 'How to Prepare for the Era of Local Autonomy 2.0' held on the 13th at Suwon Convention Center.

Speaking as a panelist at the forum, Mayor Yom Tae-young stated, "Although the President has declared a decentralized nation at the level of a federal system, our local governments still do not possess legislative, fiscal, or administrative authority," adding, "The core task for advancing into a true local government can only be addressed through constitutional amendment."

Regarding local elections, he also said, "Local elections, which select grassroots politicians, are currently conducted under the actual control of the central government, so the local elections following next year's presidential election will also likely experience polarization phenomena," and noted, "There is a need for mechanisms to ensure that local elections are not influenced independently by the central government."

He also suggested that fiscal decentralization and decentralization should sufficiently consider the positions of basic local governments.

Mayor Yom Tae-young criticized, "The Local Comprehensive Transfer Law, Phase 1 fiscal decentralization, autonomous police systems, and similar measures are mostly conducted with metropolitan authorities in focus, making it difficult for basic local governments within Gyeonggi Province, whose livelihood zones and content differ, to reflect their respective circumstances."

He continued, "Ultimately, the core of local autonomy is enhancing autonomy through fiscal decentralization," and stated, "For universal allowances targeting the entire nation and other national treasury subsidy projects, the central government budget should be used to cover project expenses to eliminate distortions in local finances."

Meanwhile, Mayor Yom Tae-young received a commendation plaque from the Korean Association of Local Newspapers in recognition of his contributions to local autonomy and regional development at the forum.

Mayor Yom Tae-young said, "Depending on how the provisions included in last year's amended Local Autonomy Act are utilized, it will be possible to change the course not only of local autonomy but also of overall social transformation," and added, "Let us move forward together until that day when local autonomy flourishes."