The Gwangju City Council has strongly criticized Mayor Min Hyung-bae regarding issues including organizational restructuring.
On August 5, the council issued a statement through its spokesperson, asserting that "there is a gap between the mayor's explanations and the facts," and claimed that "cooperation has disappeared."
The council noted that during a recent press conference, Mayor Min stated that he was preparing for organizational restructuring, personnel changes, and budget matters without any issues, and that he was sharing and discussing the restructuring plan with the council. However, the council confirmed that no draft of the restructuring plan had been delivered to the council's operating committee or the planning and finance committee, indicating that the mayor was not truthful.
The council emphasized that organizational restructuring is not solely the responsibility of the executive branch and must involve sufficient explanation and consultation with the council.
Additionally, the council pointed out that regarding the personnel hearing for the local deputy mayor, the executive branch must clearly explain how the advertised duties relate to the statutory duties and what criteria should be used to prepare for the hearing, stating that the lack of such explanations shows a disregard for the council.
The council further claimed that major issues such as the promotion of the semiconductor industry, the relocation of Gwangju Military Airport, and the establishment of a national medical school are not being adequately shared or discussed with the council.
"Instead of genuinely consulting with the council on major policies, the administration has resorted to merely providing explanations after the fact, leading to a breakdown in cooperation," the council stated.
The Gwangju City Council remarked, "President Lee Jae-myung has emphasized speed and execution in governance, but speed cannot be achieved by the executive branch alone. If the council is viewed as merely a recipient of notifications rather than a partner in policy-making, then no matter how fast the administration moves, it is not cooperation but autocracy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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