Whether Cooperation Between Universities
Increases Competitiveness or Causes Division
Despite Ahn Stepping Down from Presidential Race,
Participation Remains Uncertain for Success
Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party (left), and Lee Tae-gyu, member of the National Assembly [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Lee Tae-gyu, a member of the National Assembly and Secretary-General of the People’s Party, stated on the 19th that "the current opposition is a troika system consisting of the People Power Party, Party Leader Ahn Cheol-soo, and former President Yoon Seok-youl," adding, "how well this troika system cooperates and forms alliances will determine whether the opposition’s competitiveness and share can grow or whether it will lead to division."
Lee appeared on MBC Radio’s 'Kim Jong-bae’s Focus' that day and said, "Considering the current public interest and evaluation, it is difficult for former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in or former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop to become independent shining figures," expressing this view.
He continued, "There is a large bloc representing Yeongnam and conservatives aged 60 and above, which is the People Power Party, then there is Party Leader Ahn, who appeals to centrists, pragmatists, and people in their 20s and 30s, and finally former President Yoon, symbolizing the Chungcheong region and the rule of law, justice, and fairness. This should be seen as a troika system of three blocs."
However, he cautioned against merging into the People Power Party. He said, "It is possible to use the infrastructure," but added, "the merger should not be centered on absorbing everything into the existing People Power Party. It should carry the meaning and content of a new re-creation. I do not think it is desirable for everything to be absorbed around a certain center within the People Power Party."
Regarding Party Leader Ahn’s presidential bid, he said, "As far as I know, Ahn said he gave up on the presidential election when he ran for Seoul mayor last time," adding, "Giving up on the presidential election remains valid even if he does not become Seoul mayor." Lee added, "Personally, I think the opposition succeeded politically in the unification process this time as well, but if Ahn is excluded from the process of selecting the opposition’s presidential candidate, I think the political momentum will not be very strong."
Lee said, "From what I understand, Ahn’s greatest interest is the innovative grand unification of the opposition?how to innovatively unify the three blocs of the People Power Party, the People’s Party, and Yoon Seok-youl. I understand that he is dedicating everything to this goal."
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