"Prioritizing Citizens' Livelihoods First" Suwon Special City Council Voluntarily Returns 160 Million Won in Overseas Travel Expenses

[News S=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special City Council in Gyeonggi Province has decided to voluntarily return the full 160 million won in overseas travel expenses for council members budgeted this year, saying it will share the burden of struggling citizens' livelihoods. The decision draws particular attention as it was made by the council on its own initiative before being requested, and all 37 members from both ruling and opposition parties voluntarily agreed without partisan divisions.

This decision comes as citizens face continued economic hardship due to high inflation and economic slowdown, with the council tightening its belt first to contribute to budget cuts and focus on stabilizing citizens' livelihoods. Discussions have been ongoing centered on various standing committees and negotiating groups, and Chairman Kim Mi-kyung brought the decision to unanimous conclusion after consulting widely with the council leadership, representatives from both parties' negotiating groups, and standing committee chairs.

The council has also expanded its efforts to lead by example by canceling the scheduled trip to encourage athletes at the Aichi and Nagoya Asian Games, which was set for September 29 to October 2. The returned budget will be coordinated with the executive branch to be used for projects necessary for citizen welfare and living through supplementary budget compilation and other procedures.

Instead of overseas trips, council members decided to focus more on fieldwork-oriented legislative activities by directly visiting local livelihood sites to hear citizens' voices and discovering policies and ordinances closely related to residents' lives. They aim to repay citizens through active legislative work on the ground rather than through council salaries.

Chairman Kim Mi-kyung of Suwon Special City Council stated, "I have discussed with many council members about what role the council should play in the difficult livelihood economic situation, and they have united with one heart beyond party lines," adding, "I am grateful to the council members who have come together, and I hope this decision will help ease citizens' difficulties even a little."

She further emphasized, "Going forward, the council will concentrate its capabilities on listening to citizens' voices more closely and directly visiting local sites to develop policies that provide substantial help to citizens' lives."