Hinting at 'No Re-election' at Germany Lecture Ahead of Return to Korea
Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon has reportedly expressed his intention not to run in next year's general election, drawing attention to the background of this decision. Lee, who went to the United States for a one-year study program last June, is scheduled to return on the 24th.
As political circles focus on what role former leader Lee Nak-yeon will play after his return, various interpretations have emerged regarding his possible withdrawal from the upcoming election.
Former leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yeon is giving a lecture as an invited speaker at the annual Kim Dae-jung Memorial Lecture at the Free University of Berlin, Germany, on the 12th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
According to some media reports, Lee Nak-yeon directly stated during a lecture held at the Free University of Berlin in Germany on the 12th (local time) that "I am not considering running in next year's general election."
Lee Nak-yeon, who went to study at George Washington University in the United States last June, recently showed signs of a comeback by publishing a book containing his political vision titled Survival Strategy of the Republic of Korea - Lee Nak-yeon's Plan. He is scheduled to give a lecture at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, on the 16th and return to Seoul on the 24th.
Various speculations are circulating in political circles about Lee Nak-yeon's future moves. Amid growing calls for the resignation of leader Lee Jae-myung, especially from the non-mainstream faction, there is speculation that former leader Lee Nak-yeon could become a new focal point.
On the other hand, since Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon already competed once in the 2022 presidential primary, some believe that the influence of the returning Lee Nak-yeon will be limited.
Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won recently said in a CBS radio interview, "What would Lee Nak-yeon do if he returns now? What he learned is politics," implying that his return is natural.
However, it is expected that Lee Nak-yeon will not immediately take on a major role within the party upon his return. Yoon Young-chan, a Democratic Party lawmaker considered part of the pro-Lee Nak-yeon faction, said on SBS radio on the 14th, "Lee Nak-yeon currently has affection for the Democratic Party, and given that the party is in crisis, he must have many thoughts," but added, "However, I don't think there are many specific roles for him to take on right now."
Regarding various recent controversies within the party, including the dismissal of the Innovation Committee chairman, Yoon added, "I think former leader Lee Nak-yeon will probably take a look at the internal political situations first after he returns and refine his thoughts accordingly."
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