Jo Hae-jin followed by Kwon Seong-dong, declaration for People Power Party floor leader... Kim Tae-heum as Chungnam Governor

Election of the Floor Leader on the 8th

Kwon Seong-dong, member of the People Power Party./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the morning of the 5th, Kwon Seong-dong and Cho Hae-jin declared their candidacies for the next floor leader of the People Power Party. Kim Tae-heum, who was seriously considering running, shifted his focus to the Chungnam governorship.

Cho, who was the first to schedule a press conference for his floor leader candidacy, said in a phone call that day, "I decided to run to realize the long-pursued values and vision of changing the conservative party and the National Assembly's structure," adding, "It is my path regarding the parts I have contemplated and accumulated about practical politics and the conservative party."

Kwon, classified as a close aide to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and expected to run early in the floor leader election, will announce his candidacy through a press conference at 2 p.m. that day. Kwon had supported Kim Tae-heum, but after Kim withdrew his intention, Kwon reportedly decided to run belatedly. Within the party, opinions are divided between evaluations that the party and government can be managed stably and concerns about the 'concentration' phenomenon around President-elect Yoon.

Kim Do-eup, whose name is still being mentioned, is said to be still considering despite requests from party members.

The first test for the next floor leader is expected to be the passage of the Government Organization Act. The subsequent confirmation hearings for the Prime Minister and ministers are also expected to face difficulties in the minority government situation.

The People Power Party floor leader election will be held on the 8th.