Hwang Kyo-ahn: "Running as an Independent is Helping the Moon Administration... Permanent Ban on Party Admission"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, and Kim Jong-in, general election committee chairman, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, pointed out that independent candidates are engaging in acts of disloyalty and expressed the possibility of amending the party rules to consider permanent bans on party membership.

At the election countermeasures meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th, Leader Hwang stated, "The absolute proposition of this general election and the essence of our people's mandate is the judgment of the Moon Jae-in administration."

He said, "Running as an independent candidate is an act of disloyalty that goes against the people's mandate and aids the Moon administration," adding, "We will take strong measures such as permanently banning party membership by amending the party rules, and those who assist independents will also be severely disciplined as acts of disloyalty." He also requested that independent candidates withdraw and join the party's efforts even at this late stage.

Regarding measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), he emphasized a mid- to long-term economic vision. Leader Hwang said, "We cannot truly overcome the crisis by fixating on the immediate danger," adding, "To turn this crisis into an opportunity for a leap forward, a change in mindset is necessary. Some say there is nothing to eat now, so why think about the harvest, but we must not consume even the seeds for the harvest."

He continued, "The government should focus on relief efforts, but a mid- to long-term economic vision is equally necessary," and added, "We will prevent the obstinacy that has led our economy into chronic illness, such as the rapid rise in minimum wage, drastic restrictions on working hours, and income-led growth, and guarantee free economic activities to the people."

Kim Jong-in, the general election committee chairman, said, "Recently, due to the COVID-19 situation, everything seems to have been overshadowed by the virus, but I see this election as a judgment on the current government's failures over the past three years," and added, "Although there are many concerns such as public opinion polls, we must strongly declare our position within the remaining time and establish a COVID-19 economic emergency countermeasures committee within the election headquarters."

He continued, "To maintain the livelihoods of small business owners, it is necessary to secure about 100 trillion won by cutting 20% of the budget," and added, "Although it is said that adjusting the budget takes time, budget adjustments are possible through the president's emergency orders guaranteed by the constitution."