Heo Kyung-young "Challenging Next Presidential Election After Seoul Mayoral Race"... Including Pledge to Pardon Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Heo Kyung-young, leader of the National Revolutionary Party, announced his plans to run in the Seoul mayoral by-election in April next year and the 2022 presidential election.

On the 18th, in an interview with a media outlet, Leader Heo stated, "The political significance of next year's Seoul mayoral by-election is great," expressing his ambition by saying, "I will run and be elected as mayor."

He continued, "Shortly after being elected as Seoul mayor, the 20th presidential election will take place," adding, "I will step down as Seoul mayor in time for the presidential election and run for president," showing his intention to run in both the Seoul mayoral by-election and the 20th presidential election.

Furthermore, he predicted, "The public will campaign to the extent that people feel they must exclude both ruling and opposition parties," and said, "There will come a time when the public's mindset changes to the point that they are willing to vote for anyone as long as they are not from the ruling or opposition parties."

Leader Heo also explained his pledges. He said, "If I become Seoul mayor, I will stop all exhibition administrations in Seoul and reduce the entire Seoul city budget by 70%, using only 30%," and added, "I plan not to impose automobile or real estate holding taxes, and except for resident tax, no local taxes will be collected."

He went on to say, "If I become president, I will abolish the mayoral election system and change it to an appointment system where the president appoints mayors," and raised his voice, saying, "The number of National Assembly members should be reduced to 100, and anyone who has ever been a member of the National Assembly should never be allowed to become one again."

Meanwhile, regarding former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, he expressed the view that "He does not think the presidents ruined the country; it was just bad national fortune."

He also said, "I believe former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak are innocent," and added, "If I become president, I will immediately pardon them and apologize for having former presidents imprisoned."