People Power Party Criticizes Plan for District Chiefs' Approval of Small-Scale Developments as "Undermining Seoul Mayor's Authority"

On August 23, the People Power Party strongly criticized the government and the ruling party's announcement that they would promote a plan to transfer approval authority for the redevelopment and reconstruction of housing complexes with 500 units or less to local district chiefs, calling it an "undermining of the Seoul mayor's authority."

Chief Spokesperson Choi Boyoon stated in a commentary that day, "Rather than engaging in self-reflection, the government, which has unilaterally notified housing supply policies while bypassing the Seoul Metropolitan Government, has chosen to wield force. This time, they are going so far as to hand over the approval authority, which rightfully belongs to the Seoul mayor, to the heads of district offices."

A mourning flag is displayed at the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 30th to mourn the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. Photo by Hyun Min Kim

Chief Spokesperson Choi further said, "It is not a matter of simply excluding the Seoul mayor from negotiations; it is about eliminating any consultation whatsoever," adding, "This is not an administrative reorganization—this is, in fact, an act that effectively nullifies the Seoul mayor’s authority."

She also criticized, "This is an attempt to hand power to district heads in boroughs where the majority are political allies," and further asserted, "It is not about promoting the supply of housing, but about installing subordinates who will unconditionally implement the government’s agenda."

In addition, Chief Spokesperson Choi pointed out the ruling party and government’s recent agreement to broaden the scope of recognition for "actual residence" by non-resident single-home owners in their real estate tax reform announcement, stating, "Tax policy is no exception. The revision of the comprehensive real estate holding tax announced on August 3 was shaken in less than 20 days," and added, "How can the public trust policies that are overturned every time they are announced?"

Chief Deputy Spokesperson Choi Sujin also reinforced the criticism, saying, "Following the election of new party leader Kim Minseok, a backlash in public opinion led to this sudden policy reversal," and she added, "If the government recklessly pushes forward policies as though flipping the palm of their hand, it is only the people who will be left in tears."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.