Attended Donghwasa Buddha Birthday Ceremony on the 30th
Preliminary Plans for Moderate and Conservative Presidential Candidates
Innovation Plan to Be Announced Early This Week
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, has visited Daegu for the fourth time this year alone. On the 30th of last month, Ahn visited Donghwasa Temple to deliver a congratulatory speech at the Buddha’s Birthday celebration ceremony. This marks his third trip to Daegu following two rounds of COVID-19 medical volunteer activities and a meeting with young entrepreneurs. Political circles are analyzing that Ahn is targeting the Yeongnam region with the presidential candidacy of the centrist-conservative camp in mind.
A People’s Party official said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 1st, “There have been many requests for him to come to Daegu. It seems a special affection for Ahn has developed,” adding, “There is absolutely no (political) intention.”
During the April 15 general election, Ahn made a significant impact by volunteering for medical services in Daegu. In fact, in the 21st general election proportional representation vote, the People’s Party received only 37,659 votes (4.87%) in Gwangju, whereas it secured 115,416 votes (8.65%) in Daegu. The People’s Party also garnered more votes in Busan (118,570 votes), North Gyeongsang (80,428 votes), and South Gyeongsang (98,610 votes) than in North Jeolla (40,512 votes) and South Jeolla (39,862 votes). This result contrasts with the 20th general election, where the People’s Party had created a wave based on the Honam region.
For now, the People’s Party is focusing on ‘post-COVID’ policy issues and appears to be drawing a line against opposition alliances. On the 18th of last month, Ahn stated, “We are not considering any integration or alliance,” and added, “Our focus is on how we can properly innovate and how the People’s Party can take the lead in competition within the opposition.”
The People’s Party Innovation Committee is expected to announce its innovation plan early this week. The committee is likely to present key policy tasks, including basic income. The People’s Party is reviewing a basic income plan that selectively provides payments to vulnerable groups such as youth, rather than a universal basic income paid to all citizens. Earlier, at the end of April, the People’s Party launched the Innovation Committee to reorganize the party system and establish innovation and vision.
However, the People’s Party cannot insist solely on an independent path. With only three seats, it is difficult even to propose a bill, which requires ten signatures. Ahn said earlier last month, “To implement the policies (proposed by the People’s Party), it is the principle of parliamentary operation to join hands with any party that agrees.” For this reason, the dominant view is that future alliances between the People’s Party and the United Future Party will emerge, linked by issues such as the ‘Yoon Mi-hyang national investigation’ and related bills and policies.
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