Ahn Cheol-soo: "Moon Administration Suspected of Favoritism in Hiring Due to Lack of Special Inspector... Major Shift Needed in National Policy Direction"

"Public Vote at Party Assembly? Concerns Over Accelerated Internal Division"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, evaluated the ongoing factional conflict within the party over the appointment of a special inspector to oversee the president's relatives by saying, "If the special inspector is appointed even now, the public will perceive it as a signal of change."

On the 30th, during SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Ahn said, "If the appointment had been made earlier, it might have had some effect, but the timing has already been missed. This alone can no longer be a solution," but added, "However, since it is a promise made to the people and a campaign pledge, it can raise public expectations for a major shift in government policy."

He criticized the Moon Jae-in administration regarding allegations of preferential hiring involving the former president's son-in-law, stating, "Although the special inspector system was legally established during the Moon Jae-in government, no appointment was made throughout the term." Ahn said, "If there had been a special inspector at that time, absurd incidents such as the preferential hiring allegations involving the former son-in-law at Thai Starjet could have been prevented," and expressed hope, "If a special inspector is appointed now, the public will feel reassured that 'there will be no such risks under this government anymore.'"

Regarding the escalating tensions between the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction and the pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) faction within the party over the appointment of the special inspector, he said, "I am very concerned that if party and government affairs turn into factional conflicts, it could lead to mutual destruction." Ahn emphasized, "There are many unresolved issues such as the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation, the medical crisis, and the livelihood economy, and public sentiment is on the verge of explosion," adding, "It is time for a major shift in government policy."

Regarding the pro-Han faction's proposal to hold a party meeting to discuss and vote on the recommendation of candidates for the special inspector, Ahn said, "It is preferable to strive for consensus within the party rather than holding a vote." He added, "There is no reason not to vote in a democratic party, and in principle, it is acceptable to make it public," but expressed concern, "However, since this issue has become more of a political issue than a policy issue, holding a vote could accelerate division within the party."