People Power Party and Seoul City Emphasize Collaboration on Budget

The People Power Party joined forces with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on November 6 to enhance collaboration for securing national funding for the city. As the National Assembly prepares to review next year's government budget, they aim to strengthen cooperation for Seoul's finances while also uniting against the financial management policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration.

During the Seoul Budget Policy Council meeting, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk emphasized, "The People Power Party and Seoul City are one team." He stated, "The government's budget proposal is now in the National Assembly, and we will ensure that all necessary national funding for Seoul is secured without omission."

He added, "We will put an end to the unreasonable situation where the government takes credit while the burden falls on Seoul's citizens," asserting that the People Power Party in the National Assembly and Seoul City Hall will work together to protect the lives of citizens.

The meeting also featured criticism regarding the government's Future Response Fund. The leadership of the People Power Party and Seoul City expressed agreement that the government's financial management approach is placing additional burdens on local finances, highlighting the need for increased support for local governments.

Mayor Oh criticized the government, stating, "Even though there is ample financial leeway with funds like the Future Response Fund, support for local governments is extremely limited, showcasing a government that only pays lip service to central-local cooperation."

Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik joined in the criticism, labeling the Future Response Fund as the "Future Ruin Fund." He pointed out that it reduces resources that should be allocated to local governments, imposing significant burdens on local financial management.

He emphasized, "Even amid financial difficulties, we must secure national funding to open up Seoul's future and protect the lives of citizens without any negligence."

Additionally, Mayor Oh requested support from the National Assembly for alleviating Seoul's financial burdens, improving aging infrastructure, and easing housing supply regulations.