Ahead of the June local elections, media reports claimed that the government was planning to transfer 100 trillion KRW in national taxes to local governments, sparking controversy. Some outlets expressed concerns that increasing local allocation and consumption tax rates, along with administrative integration incentives, could threaten fiscal soundness. In response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety officially denied these claims, stating that the reported tax transfer is not true. The ministry emphasized that local fiscal expansion policies are being pursued independently of the election schedule.
The Ministry explained that financial incentives for metropolitan government integration are intended to support local governments in autonomously planning and executing regional projects. A dedicated task force, the ‘Integrated Local Government Financial Support TF,’ will be formed to develop specific support measures. The increase in local allocation and consumption tax rates remains a core national policy and is currently under discussion among relevant ministries, with no finalized details yet. This clarification aims to enhance transparency and trust in government policy.
Meanwhile, the ‘Active Administration Citizen Application Casebook,’ summarizing four years of active administration experience, has been published. The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced that the casebook includes detailed procedures and relevant laws and regulations not previously covered. The casebook features various examples, such as citizen applications for active administration, re-reports of passive administration, cases resolved through active administration, and recommendations for improving passive administration. Both public officials and citizens can conveniently access the casebook in print and electronic formats.
The casebook highlights achievements such as resolving everyday inconveniences, alleviating youth hardships, supporting businesses and small merchants, disaster response, and livelihood recovery through active administration. The commission has made the e-book available on its website for easy public access. The publication is expected to contribute to greater transparency in public administration and increased citizen participation. The government plans to continue communicating to dispel policy misunderstandings and promote active administration.