After the June 3 local elections, several provincial councils have been canceling overseas training programs this year and returning their budgets. This is due to the perception that people's livelihoods should be prioritized in the face of economic difficulties such as high oil prices and high exchange rates, and the controversy over overseas training for National Assembly members in the past. Some councils plan to push forward with substantial overseas training programs in non-election years through thorough preparation. Civic groups emphasize that they do not oppose overseas training itself, but that the necessity should be clearly explained to residents and effective programs should be developed.
