"Also true that I was negative about early return"
"The way to take responsibility for the presidential election result is to open a path for the party and candidate"
"I will bring about change once again in the National Assembly"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Former Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung officially declared his candidacy as the Democratic Party candidate for the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election to be held this June on the 8th.
On the same day, Lee held a press conference at the outdoor performance hall of Gyeyang Mountain in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, stating, “There were many advices to keep distance from the local elections considering my political safety, and it is true that I was also negative about an early return,” but added, “I could not ignore the difficulties the party is facing and the precarious situation of the local elections. After deep consideration, I decided to take a risky direct breakthrough to support the Democratic Party in crisis and lead the difficult local elections to victory.”
He continued, “I do not deny that the excessive slander and unreasonable attacks from the People Power Party trying to block my candidacy were also a factor in my decision,” and said, “Fighting at times, places, and in ways the opponent does not want is also a way to win.” He emphasized, “I will throw everything I have to win starting from Incheon and lead a nationwide majority victory.”
He also said that this candidacy is taking responsibility for the presidential election defeat. He stated, “The responsibility for the presidential election result lies with me,” and added, “The way to take responsibility is to open a little path for the party and candidates in difficulty and to create even a faint hope for many people who still cannot turn on their TVs.” He also appealed for support, saying, “In the last presidential election, the judge was chosen, but the capable worker was not. In this local election, a worker, not a judge, is definitely needed to enable checks and balances and a ‘competition of doing well.’”
He further emphasized his administrative experience, saying, “I want to show practical politics that keep promises to the people through legislation and government inspection in the National Assembly together with a rational and strong Democratic Party. Just as I proved my ability with achievements and changed local governments, I will bring about change once again in the National Assembly.”
He also mentioned development plans for Incheon Gyeyang-eul. Lee said, “With the experience of successfully developing Pangyo Technovalley, I will definitely make the Gyeyang district, which spans one million pyeong, a technovalley centered on advanced industries,” promising to attract companies and create jobs. He added, “Following Song Young-gil, I will make Lee Jae-myung and Gyeyang the new center of Korean politics.”
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