Yoon Young-seok: "Moving the Administrative Capital is an Issue Shift... A Referendum is Needed to Relocate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Yoon Young-seok, a member of the Future United Party, criticized the 'administrative capital relocation' being discussed mainly by the ruling party as a "real estate issue diversion," pointing out that "even if the remaining institutions are moved, there are doubts about the decentralization effect." He added that if the relocation is to proceed, a process of asking the public's will through a national referendum is necessary.

On the 23rd, Yoon appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' and said, "Most of the central administrative agencies have already relocated to Sejong City."

He pointed out, "What remains now are the National Assembly, some central administrative departments, and the Blue House, but even combined, they are not that large," adding, "The institutions already in Sejong City are much more significant, so there is doubt about how much moving the remaining institutions would actually decentralize Seoul's functions."

Yoon said, "Regarding the concentration in Seoul, the Moon Jae-in administration has, in a way, been passive, but as public dissatisfaction with skyrocketing real estate prices grew strong, Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon suddenly brought up this issue," explaining, "Looking at the context, why did this come up all of a sudden? (Upon reflection) this is ultimately an issue diversion to shift public dissatisfaction elsewhere."

He emphasized, "Even if the relocation is carried out, procedural legitimacy must be clearly secured," and pointed out, "Since this concerns moving the capital, from a procedural standpoint, it must go through constitutional amendment processes."

He continued, "Moving the capital is a very important issue, and for the National Assembly to decide and interpret this by law without asking the public's opinion is quite weak in basis," adding, "I believe a process of asking the public's voting rights and opinions is absolutely necessary."

He said, "This is not something our party would oppose as a party stance at all," and added, "We will respect the opinions of the members, and although our party has not yet finalized its position, the majority of members consider this a constitutional matter."

Regarding Floor Leader Kim's formation of a special committee, he said, "It is currently at the internal review stage," and since the background of raising this issue is very much for political maneuvering and to cover up the failure of real estate policies, there is considerable doubt about its sincerity."

On whether the Democratic Party should field a candidate in the by-election, he said, "When there is serious wrongdoing such as corruption or fraud, candidates are not nominated, isn't that in the party rules?" adding, "This is exactly the case with former Mayor Park Won-soon’s misconduct, which was fraudulent and wrong behavior, so naturally, no candidate should be fielded." He also demanded a statement from President Moon Jae-in.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.