The People Power Party’s Daejeon and South Chungcheong provincial chapters, along with the Daejeon City Council and the South Chungcheong Provincial Council, have criticized the government’s push for administrative integration between Daejeon and South Chungcheong. They argue it’s a rushed merger lacking substantial financial support and proper transfer of authority. The groups have called on the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to conduct a referendum, firmly opposing any integration without citizen consent.
On February 10th at 1:30 PM, the Daejeon and South Chungcheong chapters of the People Power Party, together with the Daejeon City Council and South Chungcheong Provincial Council, held a press conference at the Daejeon City Council. They highlighted concerns about the government and Democratic Party’s integration efforts and demanded a public vote.
Lee Eun-kwon, chairman of the Daejeon chapter, stated, “Administrative integration is a crucial matter that will shape the region’s future for generations. However, the current approach is inadequate in both substance and process, resulting in a hastily arranged merger that falls far short of citizens’ expectations.”
Lee criticized the integration bill proposed by the Democratic Party, arguing it was drafted without sufficient scrutiny and lacks equity in financial responsibility and authority transfer compared to other regions like Gwangju and South Jeolla. He emphasized that the promised financial support remains a non-binding declaration, while the authority transfer is contingent on negotiations with the central government, significantly reducing its effectiveness.
Drawing a parallel with the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province case, Lee cautioned that the “pass first, improve later” approach risks leaving only a nominal change without actual decentralization of power. He warned that the current integration plan could lead to similar disappointing outcomes for Daejeon and South Chungcheong.
Regarding the process, Lee stressed, “We’re witnessing unilateral announcements and a rush to integrate without adequate public discourse or resident consent. An integration without a referendum lacks democratic legitimacy.”
Lee pointed out that even during the National Assembly’s legislative public hearing, the integration law was criticized as superficial. Despite this, the government and the Democratic Party failed to present responsible solutions. He warned, “Pushing such a significant matter without proper vetting could result in severe political consequences.”
He concluded by stating, “The final decision must rest with the citizens. The People Power Party strongly urges the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to conduct a referendum. We commit to prioritizing citizens’ opinions throughout the integration discussions.”
In a related development, citizens opposing the hasty integration placed a wreath at the North Gate of the Daejeon City Council, demanding a referendum and broader public discourse on the matter.
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