Hong Joon-pyo "Ahn Cheol-soo is an elementary schooler... Kim Ki-hyun must be clear about his convictions even if he goes down"

"The only person who became party leader after clashing with the president is Park Geun-hye"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, criticized Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate running for the People Power Party leadership election, saying, "If those competing for the next term come in now, take over, and seize control of the party, can it be a fair primary?" He added, "One should not be greedy."

On the 7th, Mayor Hong appeared on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's One-on-One Battle' and stated, "Candidate Ahn has been an outsider no matter which party he joined?Democratic Party, People’s Party, Bareunmirae Party. So if he has come into our party, it is right for him to prepare to settle in, but he is being greedy."

Mayor Hong said, "The party leader should not be at odds with the president. The ruling party, the party in power, should not do that," adding, "The only person who continuously opposed the president as party leader was President Park Geun-hye during MB’s administration."

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo attending a press briefing on the 16th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also said, "(From the president’s perspective,) remarks like the 'Yoon-Ahn alliance' (an alliance between President Yoon Seok-youl and candidate Ahn) can understandably cause anger." He continued, "One should run for party leader based on their own thoughts and convictions, not by clinging to the president and fighting among themselves to get elected. That’s why (candidate Ahn) is being called a grade-schooler," criticizing him.

Regarding candidate Kim Ki-hyun, who had a luncheon meeting with former lawmaker Na Kyung-won that day, he said, "I wonder why he wants to become party leader so badly," adding, "Even if you go to the grave tomorrow, (a party leader) must have clear convictions."