Ahn Cheol-soo on the Possibility of Unification with People Power Party: "Lee Jun-seok Opposes It So Strongly..."

Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party (left), and Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party (right) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, drew a line regarding the possibility of unification with Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, saying, "I ran to become the main figure of regime change."

On the day, before holding an event for independent provincial councilors joining the party at the Gyeongsang Provincial Council in Changwon City, Ahn responded to reporters' questions about the possibility of unification with Yoon. Ahn stated, "As you can see from various opinion polls, if it becomes a one-on-one contest between me and this candidate, I can win by a very large margin," and claimed, "Even Democratic Party supporters back me."

Ahn also said, "If it becomes a one-on-one contest between Yoon and this candidate, it will be almost equal or very close," adding, "Many experts say so." He further explained, "If such a result comes out, the government and ruling party have too many means they can use, such as secret information or money, so ultimately the opposition party is likely to lose the election."

He continued, "Because people know that, I think citizens are saying 'Anilhwa' (unification under Ahn Cheol-soo)," emphasizing, "I will steadily walk my path for regime change." When asked if he would respond to a unification proposal from the People Power Party, he retorted, "The current leader (Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party) is so opposed, so would that really happen?"

Regarding plans to establish a provincial party and field candidates in the upcoming June local elections, Ahn replied, "Of course, there are plans to establish a provincial party. We will nominate really good and reform-minded people." He added, "If I am elected (president), I believe the people of Gyeongnam will overwhelmingly gather votes for candidates from our party to create a foundation for me to work."