Jeong Jin-seok, a member of the People Power Party, is attending the senior members' joint meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Jeong Jin-seok, who was mentioned as a potential candidate for the next leader of the People Power Party, has declared that he will not run.
On the 16th, Jeong stated on Facebook, "I have decided not to participate in the upcoming People Power Party leadership election," adding, "We must not cause division by prioritizing small gains or petty vested interests. The people will quickly withdraw the trust they have given us after a long time. The party's unity and cohesion come first and foremost."
He explained that his decision not to run was due to concerns that the upcoming leadership election was being perceived as causing internal division within the People Power Party. Jeong emphasized, "In the April 7 election, the people gave us a small spark. If we do not extinguish that spark, a faint hope of victory in next year's presidential election is alive. This is a critical moment for us."
He previously served as the chair of the nomination management committee for the April 7 by-elections. Jeong said, "Oh Se-hoon and Park Hyung-joon were candidates who faced less rejection from people in their 20s and 30s and the moderate electorate, and they received overwhelming support from citizens. I take great pride in having contributed to driving the victory in the April 7 election."
He added, "Now, the only political schedule left for our party is next year's presidential election. Everything else is secondary," and stated, "Just as I found the optimal candidates as the nomination committee chair, I will take the lead in bringing forward the best candidate to lead the March 9, 2024, grand battle to victory."
Jeong also expressed his commitment to opposition unity. He said, "We must definitely establish a presidential candidate from our party who can earn the people's trust," and added, "As the most senior member of the party, I will seek roles that contribute to next year's presidential victory, even if they are not visible but absolutely necessary."
He concluded, "It is said that farmers would rather starve than eat the life-giving rice seeds that can produce rice. Our seeds are the people's trust and expectations," and stated, "When the People Power Party makes the people feel that their pain is our own and struggles to find solutions, the people will entrust us with the nation's affairs. There is no other path to regime change."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
