Emergency Press Conference on the 25th... Announcement of Reform Measures Including No Candidacy in By-Elections for Jongno and Other Districts, and Institutionalization of Term Limits Exceeding Three Terms in the Same Area
[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Jeon Jin-young] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, declared on the 25th, "I will step down first for a regime change," announcing that he will not run in the general election. This came just one day after the so-called 7-member group, the closest circle of candidate Lee Jae-myung, declared that "even if candidate Lee is elected, we will not take appointed positions."
Along with this, reform measures such as no nomination for by-elections in districts like Jongno and institutionalizing the ban on exceeding three consecutive terms in the same district were also proposed. These consecutive bold declarations are interpreted as a desperate measure to raise approval ratings to 40% by the Lunar New Year holiday.
On the morning of the same day, Song held an emergency press conference at the Democratic Party briefing room in Yeouido and stated, "I, Song Young-gil, will not run in the next general election." He said, "There are voices inside and outside the party criticizing that the 586 generation has become vested interests. What we wanted was a better world, not vested interests."
He then emphasized, "I will push for institutionalizing the provision that prohibits exceeding three consecutive terms for members of the National Assembly in the same district." He added, "Not politics of 'stagnant water' but politics where 'new water' continuously flows in, establishing a political culture that always innovates and works hard, creating a solid foundation for this." He urged established politicians, including the 586 generation within the party, to "give up the vested interests of their own districts and open up space so that young politicians can challenge and advance." He continued, "The new historical mission before us now is the election of candidate Lee Jae-myung," and said, "I will step down from all vested interests myself and become the catalyst for the birth of the 'Lee Jae-myung government.'"
In the by-elections for National Assembly members held together with the March 9 presidential election, it was decided not to field candidates in three districts including Jongno, which became vacant after former leader Lee Nak-yeon resigned his seat during last year's presidential primary, as well as Anseong in Gyeonggi Province and Sangdang District in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.
According to the National Election Commission, the by-election districts this time are five places: Jongno, Seocho-gap, Anseong, Sangdang District in Cheongju, and Jungnang District in Daegu. Among these, the party explained that it will practice responsible politics by not nominating candidates in districts that became vacant due to the Democratic Party's fault. Anseong and Sangdang District became vacant after lawmakers Lee Gyu-min and Jeong Jeong-soon were disqualified due to violations of election laws.
Song emphasized, "Following the common sense and principles of the people is the responsibility of a public party," and said, "Regardless of political advantages or disadvantages, we will uphold the path of responsible politics by accepting the will of the people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
