"Public Official's 100 Million Won Car Purchased with Taxes..." Controversy Over Protocol Vehicles of District Mayor and Council Chairman

Daegu Local Government Plans to Purchase Genesis G80
"Is It Necessary to Insist on a Luxury Sedan?" Criticism Arises

Daegu's basic local governments and basic councils plan to replace their official vehicles with luxury electric cars costing up to 100 million won. This has sparked controversy with criticisms such as "Isn't this a waste of tax money?"

On the 8th, according to Seo-gu Office and Buk-gu Council, each institution is pushing to replace the official vehicles used by the Seo-gu Mayor and the Buk-gu Council Chairman with the Genesis G80 electric vehicle (EV). The budgets are 91 million won and 95 million won, respectively.

Seo-gu Council also held a regular meeting last month to prepare an additional budget of 91 million won to replace the official vehicle.

According to the recently revised Enforcement Decree of the Eco-friendly Vehicle Act, public institution work vehicles must be purchased as electric or hydrogen electric vehicles.

The law stipulates that when public institutions purchase or lease work vehicles, a certain percentage must be eco-friendly vehicles. In particular, it includes a provision that the exclusive vehicles of public institution heads should prioritize purchasing electric or hydrogen vehicles.

A Seo-gu Council official explained, "We have not finalized which car to buy, and the G80 electric car is one of several candidates under review," adding, "The G80 is the only option for an electric sedan."

Genesis G80 Electric Vehicle
[Image Source: Provided by Hyundai Motor Company]

However, some critics argue that there is no need to insist on a luxury sedan.

Chae Jang-sik, a Buk-gu council member, pointed out, "What is the reason to insist on the expensive G80?" and added, "If it’s not a sedan, there are many relatively affordable electric cars." He also said, "It is not appropriate for a public official to drive a car worth 100 million won."

Kang Geum-su, Secretary General of Daegu Participation Solidarity, also said, "If a precedent is set, other institutions might also buy expensive luxury cars."

There are also calls for more detailed regulations on electric car purchases. According to Seo-gu's public vehicle management rules, internal combustion engine vehicles used as official cars are limited to an engine displacement of less than 3000cc.

However, in the case of electric vehicles, there are no guidelines such as displacement limits or regulations setting a price ceiling. Except for the budget review process, there are virtually no obstacles to purchasing vehicles.

Therefore, there are calls to voluntarily lower standards and purchase as affordable vehicles as possible. Secretary General Kang stated, "It is necessary to establish appropriate standards to save citizens' taxes."

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