Joo Ho-young: "The ruling party said they wouldn't field candidates in the by-elections... close to deception and fraud"

"All Party Members Voting, Do Not Use Shallow Tricks"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 30th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 30th, Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, commented on the Democratic Party's decision to field candidates in the April by-elections for the Seoul and Busan mayoral offices next year and their plan to hold a party-wide vote on amending the party constitution. He said, "Even now, instead of resorting to the shallow trick of a party-wide vote, they should honestly come out and say they will not nominate candidates despite the pain. That is what will save the Democratic Party and uphold the dignity of the Republic of Korea."

At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Joo said, "If there is no trust in what is said, then other words will also lose credibility. The ruling party has engaged in acts close to deception and fraud not just once but several times," adding, "Are they planning to lead Korea into a republic of fraud?"

He pointed out, "Their party constitution states that if by-elections occur due to the faults of local government heads from their own party, they will not recommend candidates. No one demanded this," and criticized, "They are deceiving the public, giving only the impression that they will practice responsible politics, but before properly implementing it, they are trying to change it."

Floor Leader Joo said, "The responsibility of the party leadership will be diluted by the party-wide vote. They are trying to avoid responsibility like this," and added, "They repeatedly apologize, but there is nothing to apologize for. Not nominating candidates is the proper apology."

Regarding the official land price, Floor Leader Joo said, "They proposed a plan to align it with 90% of the market price but are floundering amid public opposition to a tax bomb," and stated, "This is why there are reactions that the government's goal was never to stabilize the real estate market but to use a sneaky tax increase."