"First Election Running with Number 2 in Political Career"
Indirect Criticism of Lee Jae-myung Declaring Candidacy in Gyeyang-eul
"Going to a Safe Place Without Ties Is a Betrayal of Residents"
Promises of Reconstruction, Transportation Network Expansion, and Job Creation
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, officially declared on the 8th that he will run as the People Power Party candidate in the June by-election for Bundang-gap, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
On the day, Chairman Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, “The residents of Bundang and Seongnam are the actual economic victims of the legal and moral corruption of the former mayor and governor, and they live with painful disgrace,” adding, “To change this, it is absolutely necessary to replace the leadership of Bundang, Seongnam, and Gyeonggi Province.” He then officially announced his candidacy, saying, “Not only Bundang but also through victories in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, and the metropolitan area, I will throw myself into laying the cornerstone for the success of the new government with a spirit of putting the country before oneself.”
He also mentioned the necessity of changing local power. He said, “This local election and by-election are very important opportunities to create momentum for change and innovation for the new government to work,” and added, “Following the regime change, local power must also be replaced so that the central government and local governments can move forward as one body toward a new future.” He emphasized, “I will work in harmony with the new president, the new governor of Gyeonggi Province, and the new mayor of Seongnam to deliver the best results to the residents of Bundang and Pangyo.”
He said, “This is the first time in my political career that I am running as the ruling party candidate with the number 2 on the ballot,” and added, “I will definitely win to restore the pride of the residents of Bundang and the people of Gyeonggi Province and develop the region.”
On the same day, he indirectly criticized Lee Jae-myung, senior advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, who announced his candidacy for the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election. Chairman Ahn said, “Avoiding the judgment of the residents and citizens and going to a safe place with no ties is a tragic betrayal of the residents and the height of irresponsibility in politics,” adding, “Forces that focus on feeding their own side instead of the interests of residents, do not do the work they are supposed to do, commit acts they should not, and then run away must be judged.” He continued, “Bundang-gap is my second hometown. I am the best candidate who can expand and leap forward the future value of Bundang by utilizing the infrastructure and talent our region (Bundang) possesses.”
He also presented plans for Bundang’s development. He said, “I will properly promote large-scale maintenance projects such as increasing floor area ratio and remodeling to enhance the value of Bundang, the first-generation new town,” and added, “I am confident that the project must be in the way the residents want for stable housing and urban development.” He promised to expand transportation networks and create jobs. Referring to the 15 policy tasks for the Gyeonggi region announced at the national report meeting on regional balanced development on the 6th, he added, “To create a fair, autonomous, and hopeful Gyeonggi Province and Seongnam, I will realize the three major promises of true region-led balanced development, strengthening the foundation for innovative growth, and maximizing regional characteristics.”
Chairman Ahn emphasized, “I will not be a member of the National Assembly who only points fingers, but a local worker who, together with the new mayor, governor, and president, takes the lead in raising issues and solving problems with strong driving force for the sake of residents, producing the results they want.”
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