"Prioritizing Citizens' Livelihoods First" Suwon Metropolitan City Council Voluntarily Returns 160 Million Won in Overseas Travel Expenses

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] The Suwon Metropolitan City Council in Gyeonggi Province has decided to voluntarily return the entire 160 million won in overseas travel expenses for council members budgeted this year, saying it will share the burden of struggling livelihoods with citizens. The decision stands out particularly as it was made by the council itself before anyone requested it, and all 37 council members across party lines voluntarily united in this resolve.

This decision comes as citizens face continued economic hardship due to high inflation and economic slowdown. The council aims to tighten its own belt to contribute to budget savings and focus on stabilizing citizens' livelihoods. Discussions have continued centered around each standing committee and negotiating groups of both parties, and Council Speaker Kim Mi-kyung facilitated consultations with the council leadership, representatives of both parties' negotiating groups, and standing committee chairs to reach unanimous agreement.

The council also broadened its commitment by canceling the planned support trip to the Aichi and Nagoya Asian Games scheduled for September 29 to October 2 to encourage athletes. The returned budget will be coordinated with the executive branch to be used for supplementary budget compilation and projects necessary for citizens' welfare and daily life.

Council members decided to focus more on field-centered legislative activities, visiting local livelihood sites in place of overseas trips to hear citizens' voices and develop policies and ordinances closely related to residents' lives. They pledged to repay citizens through legislative work based on footwork rather than salary.

Suwon Metropolitan City Council Speaker Kim Mi-kyung stated, "I have discussed with many council members what role the council should play in the difficult economic situation for citizens' livelihoods, and members have united with one heart regardless of party affiliation." She continued, "I thank the council members for uniting their will, and I hope this decision will help alleviate citizens' difficulties even slightly."

She further emphasized, "Going forward, the council will focus its capacity on listening more closely to citizens' voices, visiting local sites directly, and developing policies that provide practical benefits to citizens' lives."