Presidential Office Removes Ahn's Campaign Chief from Committee Position
Ahn Accepts, Saying "It's Unnatural for Public Officials to Hold Campaign Committee Roles"
Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is registering as a candidate for party leader at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Regarding the dismissal of former lawmaker Kim Young-woo, the election campaign committee chairman of Ahn Cheol-soo's camp, from his position as a member of the Presidential Committee on National Integration on the 2nd, Ahn Cheol-soo, a lawmaker running for the People Power Party leadership election, stated, "I take it as a sign to carry out a proper election campaign."
On the afternoon of the 2nd, Ahn said this on JTBC Newsroom, adding, "Former lawmaker Kim also accepted the decision of the Presidential Office and decided to focus on the election."
President Yoon Suk-yeol approved the dismissal of former lawmaker Kim from the committee position on the same day. It is known that the reason was that Kim, who serves as the campaign committee chairman for Ahn's camp, maintaining a government public office position was considered a violation of political neutrality.
Some interpreted Kim's dismissal as an indirect indication that Ahn is not a 'Yoon-sim (a candidate who has gained President Yoon Suk-yeol's favor).' In response, Ahn said, "I don't see it that way. Rather, isn't it unnatural for someone holding a public office to also hold an important position in the campaign committee? I understand the decision of the Presidential Office," he said.
Ahn emphasized that he is a 'Yoon-him (a candidate who supports President Yoon).' He said, "Last year, I served as the chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee and had the experience of working with President Yoon. We announced 110 extensive national tasks without any noise," asserting that he is the right person to work in harmony with the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.
He continued, "President Yoon managed several incidents well, including the Cargo Truckers Solidarity strike, and his approval rating rose to 40%. However, that alone is not enough," adding, "the party must lead important policies on its own. If Yongsan and the party combine their strengths and the approval rating exceeds 50%, wouldn't the chances of winning the general election next year increase?"
Ahn mentioned three major reforms he wants to pursue if he becomes party leader: △ building a competent policy party △ reforming the party's think tank, the Yeouido Research Institute △ nurturing educational talent.
Regarding criticism that he has not built a faction within the party, Ahn rebutted, "Currently, many lawmakers support me. Rather than naming them directly, they are helping me through phone calls, various ideas, and text messages."
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