People Power Party "People Power Party Arrogant" Intensifying Merger Power Struggle

Inside the People’s Party, there are voices saying "It’s better not to merge"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, is attending and presiding over the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The People’s Party expressed discomfort, stating that the 'arrogance' of the People Power Party is hindering the merger discussions. Although the merger talks between the two parties have practically not even begun, the struggle for dominance appears to be intensifying.

On the 14th, Kwon Eun-hee, the floor leader of the People’s Party, appeared on CBS Radio’s 'Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show' and said, "There has been no progress regarding the merger."

On the surface, both parties are organizing internally. Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, plans to directly gather opinions from party members from the 15th through next week. The People Power Party is experiencing internal confusion over the method and schedule of the party convention but is seeking a resolution through discussions.

The People’s Party maintains that it is "impossible" for some members of the People Power Party to demand 'joining the party' instead of a 'merger,' even using the term 'arrogant.' Floor leader Kwon said, "I want to say that they are still trapped in an arrogant perspective that judges based on money, organization, and power." Within the People’s Party, voices are even emerging that it might be better not to merge at all.

Analysis suggests that Ahn’s desire for an integrated party convention after the merger is ultimately a 'battle for shares.' The more People’s Party members Ahn can send to the leadership through the integrated convention, the faster he can accelerate his presidential campaign.