The Government Responded to Changwon City's Persistent Special City Status Demands

On the 19th, Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at Cheong Wa Dae, and Jeon Hae-cheol, Minister of the Interior and Safety, held consecutive meetings

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] On the 20th, it was announced that Heo Seong-mu, mayor of Changwon City, along with the mayors of four special cities including Goyang, Suwon, and Yongin, met with the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs of the Blue House and the Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the afternoon of the 19th to discuss issues concerning special cities.

At the meeting with Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs of the Blue House, Mayor Heo requested, "Since special cities were a campaign promise of the President, we ask the Blue House to take the lead so that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety can actively cooperate with other ministries."

He also conveyed concerns about the necessity of fiscal decentralization for local governments and that the local government matching portion in the 5th supplementary budget for disaster relief funds poses a significant burden on local governments.

In response, Senior Secretary Lee expressed empathy for the proposals and concerns regarding special cities and said, "We will work positively to resolve these issues."

During the subsequent meeting with Jeon Hae-cheol, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, key matters such as the Ministry's practical support plans for the proposals of special cities and the increase of the asset threshold for social welfare benefits were requested.

Minister Jeon stated, "We will promptly form a task force between the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the four special cities to actively address the affairs proposed by the special cities."

Mayor Heo expressed his determination, saying, "Since special cities are a new autonomous model starting for the first time, there will be many trial and errors ahead. However, we will do our best so that citizens can feel the authority of special cities."

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