Gwangju and Jeonnam Civic Groups Demand Energy University to Stop Unfair Audit

Civil society organizations in Gwangju and Jeonnam urged on the 16th, "The Board of Audit and Inspection must immediately stop the unfair audit of Korea Energy University."

About ten civic groups, including the Gwangju-Jeonnam Innovation City Forum and the Jeonnam Civic Group Solidarity Conference, held a press conference on the same day and made this statement.

The groups claimed, "The Board of Audit and Inspection recently decided to commence an audit on the establishment process of Korea Energy University following a public interest audit request from conservative organizations, which is very unfair."

They added, "Although it is well known that the establishment special provisions were applied according to the law enacted through bipartisan agreement at the time of the Korea Energy University Act's enactment, it is absurd to claim it as preferential treatment by citing the Ministry of Education's university establishment standards."

They also pointed out, "Even though the scope of use of the Power Infrastructure Fund was adjusted through the amendment of the Enforcement Decree of the Electricity Business Act in 2021, thereby already providing grounds for support to the university, it is unconvincing to insist on misuse based on the pre-amendment provisions."

Furthermore, they questioned, "When the ruling and opposition parties sufficiently discussed the validity and necessity during the establishment promotion and the university was opened following lawful procedures, what on earth is the reason for now questioning the validity of the establishment process?"

Finally, they stated, "This audit can only be seen as stemming from political disputes, disregarding the valid reasons for establishing Korea Energy University, such as its contribution to national balanced development and nurturing international-level talents to overcome the global climate crisis."

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