The Justice Innovation Party and the Basic Income Party have introduced bills aiming for the administrative integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju, drawing attention from civic groups following prior legislation proposed by the Democratic Party.
In South Korea, legislative efforts are underway to create a special law for the administrative integration of the Jeonnam and Gwangju regions, with recent proposals from the Justice Innovation Party and the Basic Income Party receiving significant attention from civic organizations. The proposals, which follow an earlier bill led by the Democratic Party, aim to establish a 'Jeonnam Gwangju Special City' to streamline governance and improve regional administration. Civic groups have expressed a united call for the inclusion of their interests in these legislative efforts, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured law that addresses potential governance pitfalls.
The bill proposed by the Basic Income Party, which consists of 269 articles excluding annexes, aligns with the Democratic Party’s vision by maintaining the name 'Jeonnam Gwangju Special City' while also incorporating vital principles such as industrial innovation, basic social security, and democratic decentralization. The laws aim to prevent disadvantages to local residents resulting from administrative integration, especially in rural areas, by mandating support for vulnerable regions. Additionally, measures to enhance local governance through increased legislative authority and public participation are outlined, indicating a shift towards greater accountability and responsiveness to community needs.
One significant aspect of the proposed legislation is the establishment of a committee led by the Prime Minister intended to evaluate the outcomes of the integrated special city and mitigate potential abuses of authority by the special mayor. Moreover, provisions within the bill enhance the powers of local councils, ease regulations surrounding citizen referendums, and emphasize the distribution of resources, specifically targeting industries such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. These moves reflect a broader commitment to balanced development and equitable benefits for the local population in the advent of modernization and economic transformation.
