"An Cheol-soo, who advocates 'Landslide Victory in General Election and Regime Reestablishment,' says, 'If elected as party leader, I will speak' (Comprehensive)"

"Leading Political Change" Declared
Party Convention Likely to Be Held in January-February Next Year
Press Conference Marking 10th Anniversary of Political Entry

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is answering questions from the press at a press conference marking the 10th anniversary of his political debut, held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 18th. 2022.9.18 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, held a press conference marking the 10th anniversary of his political debut and hinted at a challenge for the next party leadership.

On the 18th, Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly and said, "I have the responsibility and duty to transform the People Power Party into a reformist centrist-conservative party, lead a landslide victory in the general election, and reform the Republic of Korea to recreate the government." He added, "To achieve this, I promise the people my full dedication."

He stated, "I will no longer demand political change," and expressed his intention to "now lead political change" through active participation.

In the current situation of a minority government, he expressed his ambition to set the reform golden time of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration after winning the general election and to continue it through government re-creation. Ahn said, "If we can prove the implementation of legislation related to reforms that were somewhat postponed until then (after the general election), I believe government re-creation will be possible."

Regarding the current decline in party approval ratings, he attributed it to the loss of centrist voters. Ahn said, "If the Yoon Seok-yeol administration fails to produce results, the future of our country and the next government will be very bleak," adding, "The people will also become unhappy." He continued, "With the determination to definitely accomplish this, since I have not been given a role within the party to do this work, I am diligently engaging in legislative activities and regional work at my level," indirectly stating, "Depending on the issue, I speak out with conviction even if my views differ from the majority of lawmakers, for the party and the people."

When asked about his stance on nomination reform related to the general election, he replied, "I am not the party leader right now," but added, "If I am elected party leader, I will speak about it."

However, Ahn said that "uncertainties must be resolved, such as the court's injunction results and the Ethics Committee meeting scheduled for this afternoon, before I can clearly express my intention to run for party leader." Nevertheless, he added, "I will not hesitate regardless of the role I take on."

When asked if he officially announced his candidacy for the party convention, he replied evasively, "I am receiving strong demands from many people." He anticipated the next party convention to be held around January to February next year.