"Party Interests Overlooking Regional Development"… Backlash from Busan's Haeundae District Council Members of the People Power Party
The People Power Party's basic council members in Haeundae District, Busan, have sparked a backlash in the local community by rejecting a resolution for the prompt relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan. Criticism is growing that a key policy for fostering the marine industry hub has been stalled by party interests.
According to the minutes of the Haeundae District Council, on the 19th of last month, a resolution proposed by Democratic Party member Kim Mi-hee to urge the prompt relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was defeated with 9 votes in favor and 10 votes against. The resolution aimed to strengthen the competitive edge of Busan as a marine city by relocating the ministry there.
"Relocation of the Industrial Bank Must Come First"… Criticism of Contradictory Logic
The People Power Party council members insisted that the relocation of the Industrial Bank's headquarters and the resolution of President Lee Jae-myung's trial must be resolved first.
Park Gi-hoon, a council member from the People Power Party, expressed opposition by stating, "They haven't relocated the Industrial Bank to Busan since candidate Lee Jae-myung." However, President Yoon Suk-yeol mentioned the practical difficulties of relocating the Industrial Bank during his candidacy, proposing the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and HMM to Busan as alternatives.
Despite being a national agenda of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, the relocation of the Industrial Bank has seen no progress for three years. The political circles in Busan criticized, “It’s contradictory to highlight the previous administration's inaction to oppose the policies of the current government,” adding, "Ultimately, it only hinders regional development."
"Regretting Voting for the Party for 30 Years"… Is Public Opinion Turning?
As news of the resolution's defeat spread, more than 300 critical posts poured in on the Haeundae District Council's website within three days. One citizen wrote, "They must know that relocating the ministry is the last hope for 'The Old Man and the Sea' Busan. Why are they still sitting there? I regret not voting for candidate Lee Jae-myung after voting only for the People Power Party for 30 years."
Other citizens also expressed their views, stating, "The reason Busan is stagnant is because of the People Power Party," "Don't the People Power Party council members represent Busan?" "I won’t vote for the People Power Party anymore; I regret it," and "I will make my judgment in the local elections next year."
The Democratic Party's Busan chapter also released a statement on the 1st, questioning, "What are the 17 members of the People Power Party in Busan doing? Is blocking the government's strategy to grow Busan into a global marine center the position of the party?" They went on to criticize, "At a time when we should be opening the Arctic route era, obstructing the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is absurd."
"Everyone Agrees, But It’s a Matter of Order"… Criticism Persists Despite Explanation from the People Power Party
As the controversy spread, ten council members from the People Power Party in Haeundae District issued a statement the same day, saying, "We all agree on the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, but we believe that relocating the Industrial Bank and the ministry simultaneously is the right order for Busan's development."
However, the Democratic Party remarked, "It is unfortunate that the resolution, which pertains to the future industry of Busan, was defeated due to party interests," and stated, "It’s a shameful reality for the residents, making it difficult to speak up actively."
Image source: Unsourced materials related to the article / gettyimagesbank
