Gyeonggi childcare and small business groups rally over cut budgets
In short
Gyeonggi Province Childcare Center Association held a rally outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on Oct 6, demanding 2.7 billion won in childcare-related budget omitted from the second supplementary budget. Police estimated 1,800–2,000 childcare teachers attended, and a petition on the province’s platform exceeded 56,000 participants. About 80 small business owners also demonstrated for livelihood economy budget, as the province cited financial difficulties.
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The Gyeonggi Province Childcare Center Association held a rally outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on Oct 6 at 10 a.m., demanding that 2.7 billion won in childcare-related budget be included in the second supplementary budget. The rally was attended by an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 childcare teachers, according to police. [ 1 , 2 ]
The omitted budget covers four projects: support for daycare operation using provincial funds, infant standard childcare program support, and improvement of childcare teacher treatment. If the supplementary budget passes without these funds, provincial support for the projects could be reduced from next month, the association said. [ 1 ]
The association’s demand also appeared as a petition on the Gyeonggi Province online platform “Gyeonggi Petition” on Oct 5. By Oct 6, participants exceeded 56,000. The petitioner called for the childcare budget to be immediately reflected and for stable, sustainable measures so that childcare support does not waver every year. A provincial official said the province could not include the budget due to poor financial conditions and that it is reviewing measures to prevent major confusion on site. [ 1 ]
Separately, about 80 small business owners, including representatives of the Gyeonggi Province Merchants Association and the Gyeonggi Province Small Business Association, held a press conference at the same location to demand budget for the livelihood economy. The supplementary budget omitted 3.1 billion won for the “Gyeonggi Revival Big Sale” consumer promotion and 2 billion won for traditional market facility modernization. [ 1 , 2 ]
The province and the provincial council are continuing negotiations over the second supplementary budget, which the province cut significantly citing financial difficulties. The childcare association plans to hold rallies for three days through Oct 8. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The association said support for daycare operation, infant programs and teacher treatment could be reduced from next month if the budget is not restored. The protests and petition, alongside small business demands, increase pressure on the province and provincial council as they negotiate the supplementary budget.
Key facts
- Gyeonggi Province Childcare Center Association held a rally outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on Oct 6, demanding 2.7 billion won in childcare-related budget not included in the second supplementary budget. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Police estimated 1,800 to 2,000 childcare teachers attended the rally, and the association plans to hold rallies for three days through Oct 8. [ 1 ]
- A petition posted on the Gyeonggi Province online platform “Gyeonggi Petition” on Oct 5 exceeded 56,000 participants by Oct 6. [ 1 ]
- A provincial official said the budget was not included due to poor financial conditions and that measures are being reviewed to prevent major confusion on site. [ 1 ]
- About 80 small business owners, including representatives of the Gyeonggi Province Merchants Association and the Gyeonggi Province Small Business Association, held a press conference at the same location demanding budget for the livelihood economy. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The second supplementary budget omitted 3.1 billion won for the “Gyeonggi Revival Big Sale” and 2 billion won for traditional market facility modernization. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Gyeonggi Province Childcare Center Association held a rally outside the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on Oct 6 to demand 2.7 billion won in childcare-related budget. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Police estimated 1,800 to 2,000 childcare teachers attended the rally. [ 1 ]
- The province said it could not include the childcare budget due to financial difficulties. [ 1 ]
- A petition on the Gyeonggi Province online platform exceeded 56,000 participants by Oct 6. [ 1 ]
- Small business owners, including the Gyeonggi Province Merchants Association and the Gyeonggi Province Small Business Association, held a press conference at the same location demanding livelihood economy budget. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The second supplementary budget omitted 3.1 billion won for the “Gyeonggi Revival Big Sale” and 2 billion won for traditional market facility modernization. [ 1 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the childcare budget will be restored and the outcome of negotiations between the province and the provincial council. Not stated in the documents.
- Specific measures the province is reviewing to prevent confusion on site. The official said measures are under review but did not specify them.
- Exact number of rally participants. Only police estimate provided; organizers’ figure not given.