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The City Council has the autonomous legislative authority to enact, revise and abolish municipal ordinances, as well as the autonomous fiscal authority to examine and decide budgetary bills and verify appropriate execution of the budget. In addition, the Council controls the administrative execution of the executive by inspecting and examining administrative affairs, accepts petitions submitted by citizens, and performs other duties as specified under the provisions of the related laws and ordinances.

Enactment, amendment and abolishment of ordinances

There are two types of municipal ordinances for Seoul: those intended to limit resident rights or impose obligations on them, and those intended to enhance their welfare and alleviate difficulties. A municipal ordinance intended to limit resident rights or impose obligations or penalties on them shall be supported by a relevant law. A motion for such a municipal ordinance may be made by the Mayor or no less than a fifth of the Council members or joint signatures of ten Council members.

Examination and Decision of the Budget & Acknowledgement of Accounts

The budget is conceived as a one-year plan for Seoul Metropolitan City, and compiled and presented to the Council by the Mayor. Thereafter, it is examined and approved by the Council 10 days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. The Council shall acknowledge the settlement of accounts after the Mayor has executed the budget. The Council examines and reviews the budget and engages in rigorous accounting to prevent the wasting of taxpayer money.

Inspection & Investigation of Administrative Affairs

The City Council inspects the executive body on administrative affairs over a period of less than 10 days during the regular session of each year. Special matters may be inspected and judged during the plenary session if such cases are formally proposed by more than 1/3 of the registered members. If deemed necessary, the Council may request an onsite inspection or the submission of related documents, or may request the presence of the Mayor, related government officials, or other persons as witnesses to testify under oath, or to present comments as references The Mayor or related government officials may attend Council meetings and report the actions taken to the Administrative Affairs Inspection Office, or present their opinions or answers with regard to such actions.