On the 19th, a discussion session on the achievements of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and future tasks was held at the Sun Hotel in Jeju City. [사진=권규홍 기자]
Jeju City held a debate to mark the 18th anniversary of the launch of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Participants agreed with one voice on strengthening Jeju’s autonomy, but the government and Jeju Provincial Government differed on the issue of restructuring the administrative system.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province held a ‘Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Achievements and Future Tasks Discussion’ at The Forum Hall of Jeju Sun Hotel on the 19th. The debate was prepared to discuss the achievements and tasks of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province over the past 18 years, which was launched in 2006, and to explore the direction in which Jeju Island should move in the future.
In attendance were Kang Chang-min, senior research fellow at the Jeju Research Institute, Kim Soo-yeon, professor at Jeju National University Law School, Kang Ho-jin, standing representative of the Jeju Socio-Economic Network, Kang Min-cheol, head of the Jeju Administrative System Reorganization Promotion Team, Kwon Oh-jeong, head of the Jeju Support Division of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and the director of the Autonomy and Decentralization Department of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security of the Korean Women’s Association. Participated in this panel.
First, Research Fellow Kang presented ‘Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Achievements and Tasks’. Researcher Kang pointed out that problems such as regional imbalance, weakening of administrative services, and restrictions on residents’ suffrage due to the abolition of cities and counties continue to occur. At the same time, he argued for the need to establish an administrative system in which the citizens of the province make decisions.
Professor Kim also said, “In addition to Jeju, special self-governing provinces are being launched in other regions. They are all modeled after Jeju Island.” He added, “For this reason, strengthening Jeju’s autonomy is not just for Jeju, but can also be a positive signal for other local governments.” “There is,” he said.
He then diagnosed the past 18 years and said, “However, I think it is time to find characteristics that are different from other local governments. We need to diagnose the exact current situation and check for changes in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. In the process of transferring authority 18 years ago, there were many things that were comprehensive and comprehensive. “However, there are issues with authority that could not be transferred in the process,” he said, adding, “If it continues like this, the burden on the Jeju provincial government will only increase. There are also issues with financial limitations and grants.”
Professor Kim said, “The national budget is a one-time support, but since it will be resolved with provincial finances in the future, we need to think about ways to raise financial resources.” He added, “Although the launch of the special self-governing province contributed to establishing the identity of an international autonomous city, we initially expected an effect. “I think the administrative effect that was achieved was not very noticeable and the capacity of the residents was actually reduced, so I think it is time for reorganization,” he said.
Representative Kang also said, “Pushing ahead despite the power being taken away, rather than strengthening the governor’s authority, is a manifestation of the minimum sincerity toward grassroots democracy,” and added, “I hope that we can go through a process where the opinions of the residents of the province are accepted through the referendum.” “I look forward to it,” he said.
On the other hand, government panelists expressed caution. “It is clear that the referendum is an important policy tool that allows the voices of provincial residents to be heard in the reform of the administrative system,” said the director of the Department of Autonomy and Decentralization at the Ministry of Public Administration and Security of the Korean Women’s Association. “However, it is not legally binding, and the government or the National Assembly cannot establish policies.” “It is used as reference material,” he said.
Regarding the referendum, he said, “In order to hold a vote, the target must be mature and specific to some extent,” and “The logic that the current special self-governing system has problems and should be replaced with a new administrative system must be further strengthened.” He added.
Director Yeo also emphasized the response of the National Assembly. He said, “Jeju Island is also a member of the Republic of Korea. In order for the law to be implemented, efforts are needed to receive positive response from all over the country, including the National Assembly.” He added, “There are various opinions regarding the reform of the administrative system, including opinions from academia and the National Assembly. “It is essential,” he said.
Reporter information Kwon Gyu-hong spikekwon@ajunews.com
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