Ahn Cheol-soo: "Moon Administration Likely Greatly Welcoming the March 1st Rally Proceeding"

Ahn Cheol-soo, the preliminary candidate of the People’s Party running for the Seoul mayoral by-election, is preparing ahead of the second unification debate with independent candidate Geum Tae-seop held on the afternoon of the 25th at KNK Digital Tower in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party who declared his candidacy for the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, appealed to cancel the March 1st rally.

On the 28th, Ahn stated through his social media (SNS), "I urge the organizers of the March 1st rally to immediately cancel the assembly that the court has disallowed."

Ahn said, "Groups protesting against the Moon administration’s arrogance, incompetence, and recklessness have announced simultaneous rallies condemning the government across Seoul on March 1st. I naturally agree with the purpose. However, I cannot help but be concerned about the method and timing of the rallies."

He continued, "People in this administration blatantly shifted the responsibility for the second wave of infections onto the Gwanghwamun rally held on Liberation Day," adding, "If a large-scale rally not approved by the court is forcibly held tomorrow and confirmed cases increase, it is clear that the responsibility will be shifted onto the participants of the Gwanghwamun rally."

He further emphasized, "Forcing the rally will ultimately become a way to assist the Moon Jae-in administration," and "Above all, it will cause the rally organizers themselves to be politically self-isolated from the entire community. If you truly want to judge the administration, you must not give them even a single excuse or the slightest pretext."

Ahn raised his voice, saying, "This administration, which is in trouble due to all kinds of policy failures, will secretly welcome the forced rally and sharpen its attack," and "Now is the time to wear masks, practice social distancing, and go to the April 7 by-election polling stations. Defeating this administration is the path to saving the country and freedom."