|
Elder statesmen form an official group to oppose the relocation of government
November 04, 2009
|
||||
The nation’s rift over the Sejong City project deepened yesterday after senior figures from political, academic, religious, cultural and civil circles organized a movement to oppose the planned relocation of government offices to the Chungcheong area. The 1,300-strong national conference against the relocation of the capital city includes seven former prime ministers, the former chief executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, a former National Assembly speaker and a former president of the Korean Bar Association. The elder statesmen said at a press conference yesterday afternoon at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul that the government should revise its Sejong plan unless it wants to create a highly inefficient environment for administrative work. “Germany divided its capital city during the course of unification, but now the country is working to consolidate government offices. The split of the administrative capital has proven to be extremely inefficient,” senior figures at the conference said. “We will hold various discussions on the right direction for the troubled Sejong City project and persuade the public [on the need of the revision of the city project],” the group said in its official launch ceremony yesterday. “Moving nine government ministries, two agencies and two smaller units to Sejong City will divide the nation’s capital city into two,” said Kim Gil-ja, a co-chair of the group. “If it is necessary, a referendum should be held.” The statement added: “It will benefit Chungcheong residents more if the government revokes its administrative relocation plan and injects extra money in addition to the 8.5 trillion won budget [earmarked for the Sejong project] to develop the area into a self-sufficient city of 500,000.” A civic organization based in the Chungcheong region that supports the project released a statement criticizing the elder statesmen’s actions. “The [elder statesmen’s group] does not understand the benefits of the Sejong City project,” the Chungcheong group said in a statement. “The project will ease overpopulation in the capital area and spur balanced development in other regions.” Meanwhile, Ahn Sang-soo, the ruling Grand National Party’s floor leader, proposed a cease-fire on the issue until the government devises remedial measures. “The Sejong City project was a presidential election pledge by [former] President Roh Moo-hyun, and President Lee; and the GNP agreed on the plan,” Ahn said in an address at the National Assembly. “We, the Grand Nationals, respect the promise. But when the government comes up with an alternative measure that earns support from the public as well as Chungcheong residents, we will thoroughly examine the measure and make a decision,” Ahn added. The Prime Minister’s Office has been in charge of reviewing the project and providing alternative plans. Democratic Party Spokesman Ooh Che-chang accused Ahn of attempting to buy time with the proposed cease-fire until the government comes up with measures to revise the Sejong City project. By Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr] |
|
