'Suwon Special City' Launches...Opening New Chapter in Local Autonomy

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Suwon City has marked the launch of 'Suwon Special City' 73 years after its city designation, opening a new chapter in local autonomy.

On the 13th, Suwon City held the Suwon Special City launch ceremony at the main auditorium of Suwon City Hall, taking its first step as a special city.

The launch ceremony, which began with the screening of a Suwon Special City promotional video, proceeded with commendations for Suwon Special City meritorious figures, remarks by Mayor Yeom Tae-young, congratulatory addresses from honored guests, announcement of the Suwon Special City Citizens' Charter, and the declaration of Suwon Special City's launch.

Prior to the launch ceremony, an unveiling ceremony for the 'Suwon Special City Citizens' Charter Monument' marker was held in the gardens in front of City Hall's main building.

The launch ceremony was attended by National Assembly members Kim Seung-won (Suwon District A)·Baek Hye-ryeon (Suwon District B)·Kim Young-jin (Suwon District C)·Park Gwang-on (Suwon District D)·Kim Jin-pyo (Suwon District E), Jang Hyun-kook, Chairman of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, and Cho Seok-hwan, Chairman of the Suwon City Council, as well as other Suwon City Council members.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Minister of Interior and Safety Jeon Hae-cheol, and Steering Committee for Subsidiarity Chairman Kim Soon-eun congratulated the launch of Suwon Special City through video messages.

In his remarks, Mayor Yeom Tae-young stated, "Suwon Special City will add flexibility to local autonomy and set an example of diverse and rich regional development," and added, "As the largest basic local government in the Republic of Korea and the first special city in the Republic of Korea, Suwon Special City has the obligation to establish the standard for local autonomy in our nation."

He further said, "Suwon Special City will not stop its steps toward 'citizen happiness,'" and pledged, "With authority and responsibility befitting the name of special city, I will provide greater benefits to the citizens."

Subsequently, Mayor Yeom presented certificates of appreciation to Lee Won-hee, President of Hankyung National University, and Kwon Chan-ho, former Director of Planning and Coordination at Suwon City, who contributed their efforts to realizing the special city through activities such as serving as Chair of Suwon City's Subsidiarity Council, and commendations to approximately 20 citizens and civil servants.

Sun Young-mi, Secretary General of the Suwon Special City Citizens Participation Division, and university student Kim Seok-hyun (Sogang University first-year), representing Suwon citizens, announced the 'Suwon Special City Citizens' Charter' and pledged, "As citizens of Suwon Special City who will shape the history of democracy and subsidiarity in the Republic of Korea, we will embody our rights and responsibilities in this charter and build Suwon Special City together."

The Suwon Special City Citizens' Charter consists of five items: ▲We will create an autonomous community that is fair, equitable, and mutually caring ▲We will nurture a sustainable city where nature and people coexist ▲We will create a prosperous welfare city that is safe and in which no one is left behind ▲We will pursue an inclusive city that respects human rights and acknowledges diverse perspectives ▲We will advance as a global city that moves in step with world citizens and stands shoulder to shoulder with world cities.

Meanwhile, on December 9, 2020, the 'Complete Amendment to the Local Autonomy Act' which includes provisions granting the designation of 'special city' to major cities with a population of 1 million or more passed the National Assembly, laying the legal foundation for 'Suwon Special City.' The Complete Amendment to the Local Autonomy Act was promulgated on January 12, 2021, and according to the supplementary provisions stating 'it shall take effect one year after its promulgation,' 'Suwon Special City' launched on January 13 of this year.