North Gyeongsang Assembly speaker meets former chairs to discuss local council reform

Kim Hee-su, speaker of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly, hosted a luncheon in Andong on Thursday with members of the province's council of former assembly speakers to discuss ways to advance local council development and legislative activity.

The gathering brought together Kim along with former speakers Jeon Dong-ho, Ryu In-hee, Lee Sang-hyo, Lee Si-ha, Kim Eung-gyu, Jang Gyeong-sik and Go U-hyeon.

Participants exchanged views on a range of measures to expand the practical authority and role of local councils, including the need to enact a dedicated local assembly law to strengthen council independence and autonomy, bolster organizational and personnel powers, and improve support systems for legislative activities.

"It was a meaningful occasion to hear the experience and wisdom of my sunbae," Kim said, adding that he would do his utmost to ensure the 13th North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly becomes a council that genuinely works for the region's future and gives residents hope.