Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, expressed on September 4 his intention to revive the previously stalled administrative merger between Daejeon and Chungnam, stating, "We will pursue the merger at an appropriate time and through the right processes." He also announced plans to utilize all available means for regional balanced development, including the relocation of public institutions and the consolidation of five state-owned enterprises to Chungnam, as outlined by the government on September 3.
During a Supreme Council meeting held at the Chungnam provincial government office, Kim referred to the administrative merger discussions that had been halted in the previous National Assembly session.
He noted that the merger was thwarted due to opposition from local leaders affiliated with the People Power Party, leaving Chungnam residents disappointed. "This is a matter our party has publicly committed to. We will proceed at the right time and through the right processes," he asserted.
Kim further pledged full support for the second phase of public institution relocations, the consolidation of the headquarters of five state-owned enterprises, and the allocation of 13 trillion won in national budget funds.
He remarked, "Governor Park provided several suggestions regarding the second phase of public institution relocations and the consolidation of state-owned enterprise headquarters during the August 17 party convention. I, along with the Supreme Council members, have listened carefully to these proposals. We will ensure that the necessary budget exceeding 13 trillion won for the Chungnam region is reflected. With the upcoming Chungcheong Universiade, we will seek ways to provide comprehensive support for our party's initiatives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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