Ahn Cheol-soo: "Yoon Should Benchmark Obama... Honorably Complete Term Despite Opposition-Controlled National Assembly"

"Giant Opposition Party May Face Backlash If It Shows Off Its Power"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, argued that during the 22nd National Assembly term, which was structured as a minority ruling party and majority opposition, President Yoon Seok-yeol should benchmark former U.S. President Barack Obama.

On the 10th, on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Ahn said, "During the latter half of President Obama's second term, both the U.S. House and Senate were minority ruling parties and majority opposition," adding, "Structurally, it was a period when nothing could be done." He continued, "However, President Obama led the livelihood issues that the people wanted, so the opposition could not oppose him, and he was able to complete his term honorably," emphasizing, "This is a very important lesson for us."

He also addressed the Democratic Party, saying, "From next month, the National Assembly will have 192 opposition seats and 108 ruling party seats, but if the opposition shows off too much power and acts arbitrarily, it could backfire," warning, "If political offensives such as pushing for the special investigation law on First Lady Kim Keon-hee are too aggressive, the public may develop resentment."

Ahn Cheol-soo, member of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's 2nd anniversary press conference the previous day, he said, "Unlike the KBS New Year's interview earlier this year, there was an effort to meet the public's expectations," but added, "It would have been better if this had been done before the general election." Ahn stated, "President Yoon said that if the public feels unsatisfied after the Corruption Investigation Office investigates the special investigation law on Chae Sang-byeong, he would proceed with a special investigation, but I believe a more proactive attitude is needed," adding, "Listening to his remarks, I got the impression that he has confidence in facts and legal principles, so I regret that a direct breakthrough was not attempted."

He also expressed concern, saying, "It is unfortunate that there is no plan regarding the conflict between the medical community and the government," and warned, "Public health is the top priority, but bankruptcies will gradually begin with local medical centers." Ahn argued, "Many doctors also agree that gradual increases are necessary," and stated, "The best approach is for doctors to return to patients first, agree on gradual increases, and postpone the increase by one year." He added, "Also, during that period, if a consultative body is formed to agree on the scale and timing of the increase in doctors, the issue can be resolved."