Gyeonggi Province budget negotiations collapse over welfare funding

Negotiations between Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Provincial Council have collapsed regarding the second supplementary budget proposal. The deadlock centers on the restoration of livelihood-related budgets, with the Council proposing a restoration of approximately 40 billion won, while the provincial government has expressed difficulty in accepting additional project costs beyond a specific 8.9 billion won package.

The Provincial Council plans to hold a plenary session on the 12th to submit and process its own revised budget proposal. Both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party within the Council have criticized the provincial government for rejecting mediation attempts and failing to protect essential welfare funds, including support for childcare staff, small business sales, and menstrual products for female youth.

Simultaneously, the Gyeonggi Daycare Center Association has launched a three-day protest in front of the provincial office. The association is demanding the restoration of 2.7 billion won in childcare-related budgets, including support for infant standard childcare processes and teacher treatment improvements. They warn that without these funds, support may be reduced or cut starting in November, potentially forcing daycare centers to consider closures or collective action.