People Power Party-Kookmin Party Official Merger Declaration... 'Agreement on Party Officials' Treatment, Nominations, and More' (Comprehensive)

Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Special Committee, is delivering opening remarks at the 13th COVID-19 Emergency Response Special Committee meeting held at the Transition Committee in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th. Photo by Transition Committee Press Photographers.

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Lee Hyun-joo] The People Power Party and the People Party officially declared their merger on the 18th.

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, announced the official merger between the two parties at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day.

In the merger agreement declaration, Leader Ahn stated, "The People Power Party and the People Party declare their merger agreement based on the unification spirit declared during the 20th presidential election to create a better Republic of Korea and lay the foundation for a joint government."

Both sides agreed to use the party name People Power Party for now, and decided on a party-to-party integration method. Additionally, regarding the party platform and policies, a task force (TF) will be formed to present a new platform and policies.

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

For democratic party operation, they agreed to adhere to the agreed matters from the leadership composition of both parties to the nomination process for public office candidates in the upcoming local elections.

After the merger declaration, Leader Lee said at a press conference regarding the treatment of People Party officials, "The People Party requested the succession of seven party officials, and we will discuss this according to our party (People Power Party) internal regulations," adding, "Their treatment will be equal to or better than when they were in the People Party."

Furthermore, two People Party members will join the People Power Party's Supreme Council, and positions such as vice-chairman of the Yeouido Research Institute will also be held by People Party members.

Regarding local election nominations, in regions where four or more candidates, including People Party applicants, applied, three candidates were shortlisted. In constituencies with People Power Party hopefuls and three or fewer candidates, a primary will be held through public opinion polling.

Leader Lee said, "Although procedures such as the National Committee process and the Election Commission registration remain, the merger can be considered a fait accompli."

Meanwhile, after the merger declaration, Leader Ahn asked for understanding from reporters and immediately departed for Busan. It was reported that Ahn's father, Ahn Young-mo, is in critical condition. Initially, there was speculation that Leader Ahn would head straight to Busan without making the merger declaration, but he chose to complete the declaration first before heading to Busan.