Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae has projected that next year's available financial resources will decrease by KRW 2 trillion from this year's KRW 3.5 trillion, bringing the total to KRW 1.5 trillion.

This marks the first time Governor Choo has revealed specific figures for next year's projected available funds.

Governor Choo wrote on her social media on the 26th, "The fiscal situation of Gyeonggi Province next year is very serious, and available funds are expected to shrink by a whopping KRW 2 trillion from this year's KRW 3.5 trillion."

She went on to emphasize, "It is difficult to accommodate projects and budgets at the same level as this year, even if we unavoidably issue local government bonds to the maximum limit and completely exhaust all remaining funds. That is why I repeatedly say we are facing a fiscal crisis."

She also stated, "Despite the difficult fiscal conditions, we will mobilize all available resources, such as local bonds and funds, to the fullest and consult sufficiently with the provincial council to fill in essential budgets one by one."

She added, "In particular, we will examine disability-related budgets with even greater care and pay special attention to ensure that no difficulties arise in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families."

Gyeonggi Province plans to draw up next year's main budget bill and submit it to the provincial council next month.

The budget will be finalized following deliberation and resolution by the provincial council in December.

Regarding the current drafting status, Governor Choo explained, "Before officially submitting the budget bill, our working-level departments are consulting with the council."

(Photo: Yonhap News)