Kim Du-kwan, KDLC Sign Local Autonomy and Decentralization Policy Agreement "Need for a Major Shift to a Decentralized Balanced Nation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 1st, Kim Du-gwan, a presidential candidate from the Democratic Party of Korea, signed an agreement with the Korea Decentralization and Local Democracy Leaders Conference (KDLC) on the 'Top 10 Policy Tasks for Transition to a Decentralized Nation.'

Photo by Office of Assemblyman Kim Doo-kwan

On this day, Kim and KDLC included 10 tasks in the agreement, such as specifying a decentralized state in the constitution, integrating educational autonomy and general administrative autonomy, realizing a national tax to local tax ratio of 6:4, and decentralizing judicial administration. The agreement also contained contents on strengthening the status of autonomous police, enhancing local fiscal autonomy, responding to local extinction, and reinforcing grassroots democracy.

At the signing ceremony, Kim said, "Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in, all from the Democratic Party, have strived for decentralization as a lifelong mission," adding, "The 4th democratic government must carry on the baton with strong determination."

The ceremony was attended by Yeom Tae-young, mayor of Suwon City and standing representative of KDLC, as well as Jung Won-oh, head of Seongdong District Office, Nam Sang-gyu, member of Gangwon Provincial Assembly, and Park Jong-gil, member of Dalseo District Council.

Standing representative Yeom Tae-young said, "South Korea needs a major transition from a centralized state to a decentralized state, and now is the right time." He also mentioned Kim's significant achievements and contributions to decentralization. Yeom said, "Joint efforts are needed to strengthen local government autonomy, realize balanced national development, and respond to local extinction," adding, "I hope Kim will faithfully implement the KDLC's 10 major policy pledges proposed today."

Kim said, "I gladly accept all the proposals suggested by KDLC," and added, "I hope all candidates from our party recognize decentralization as an urgent task and willingly participate in the agreement."

The event was also attended by Shin Jeong-hoon, the general director of Kim Du-gwan's campaign, who said, "I will actively support Kim and Mayor Yeom to realize grassroots democracy and balanced national development."

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