The Administrative Integration Special Bill has passed through the National Assembly’s Administrative Safety Committee, receiving positive reactions from Daegu and Gyeongbuk, but facing strong opposition from Daejeon and Chungnam.
The recently passed Administrative Integration Special Bill by the National Assembly's Administrative Safety Committee has elicited contrasting reactions from regional leaders in South Korea. Daegu and Gyeongbuk, both governed by the ruling party officials, view the bill positively, highlighting that about 76% of provisions from the originally proposed 335 articles, plus an additional 135 new special provisions, were included. These regions plan to progressively address any shortcomings through government discussions and legal amendments.
The bill outlines various provisions aimed at bolstering the status and autonomy of the integrated special city, including the gradual delegation of central administrative agency powers and the relocation of public institutions. Specific measures for economic enhancement have also been instituted, such as designating global future special zones and providing administrative and financial support for key industries like steel and shipbuilding. Notably, a contentious clause exempting minimum wage and labor standards laws in the global future special zones was removed amid labor union pushback.
Despite these advancements, some criticisms have emerged regarding the lack of concrete provisions for government financial support within the bill. Additionally, several proposed measures for balanced regional development and medical college establishment were left out, raising concerns among regional leaders, particularly since certain supportive clauses were only included for specific regions, highlighting disparities in government focus and support across provinces.
