Seoul District Mayors Association "Concerns Over Democracy Backsliding in Seoul"

Chairman Lee Seong of the Cooperation Council emphasizes, "We are now at a critical crossroads: whether to expand and inherit participatory democracy or to return to the era of past authoritarianism."

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The Seoul Metropolitan Council of District Mayors (Chairman Seong Lee, Mayor of Guro District) held a press conference at 2 p.m. on the 4th in the Seoul City briefing room to express deep concerns about Seoul City's unilateral budget planning policy.

Seoul City recently decided to unilaterally increase the budget contribution ratio of autonomous districts while cutting budgets across the board, including welfare for the elderly and disabled, support for pregnant women, urban regeneration projects for underdeveloped areas, and public-private cooperation based on citizen participation in the next year's budget plan.

Chairman Lee Seong stated, "Cutting budgets for village communities and public-private cooperation operations is a serious act that obstructs the realization of grassroots democracy," adding, "In response to Seoul City's anachronistic decision that goes against the progress of history, autonomous districts will uphold the spirit of participatory democracy and cooperation."

The attendees said, "Citizens are no longer mere beneficiaries of administrative services, and the role of local governments must change according to the rapidly changing times," and added, "It is appropriate to encourage Seoul citizens to actively participate by looking after their neighbors' lives and supplementing insufficient administration, rather than obstructing and suppressing such efforts."

They also stated, "We are now at a critical crossroads whether to expand and inherit participatory democracy or to regress to the past authoritarian era," and urged, "We call on Seoul City to actively engage in coexistence and cooperation for the happiness of citizens."

The statement was jointly issued by the mayors of 24 autonomous districts of Seoul, excluding Seocho District. The press conference was attended by Chairman Lee Seong (Mayor of Guro District), Secretary-General Park Sung-soo (Mayor of Songpa District), and a total of 12 district mayors.

Statement from the Seoul Metropolitan Council of District Mayors expressing concern over the regression of democracy in Seoul City

1. Seoul City's comprehensive budget cuts for village communities and public-private cooperation operations hinder citizen participation and are a serious act obstructing the realization of grassroots democracy.

2. We express deep regret over Seoul City's decision, which goes against the trend of the times where local autonomy is becoming common sense, such as the passage of the full revision of the Local Autonomy Act by the National Assembly.

3. We are now at a critical crossroads whether to expand and inherit participatory democracy or to regress to the past authoritarian era.

4. In response to Seoul City's anachronistic decision that goes against the progress of history, autonomous districts will devote all efforts to protecting and spreading the spirit of participatory democracy and cooperation.

5. We urge Seoul City to actively engage in coexistence and cooperation for the happiness of citizens even at this late stage.

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