"Demonstrating the Qualities of a Governing Party Is the Task at Hand"
Former Governor of Gyeongnam Kim Kyung-soo, who rejoined the Democratic Party, expressed regret, saying, "As the largest party in the National Assembly, the Democratic Party has the greatest responsibility for national governance, but the people do not feel that the government is stabilizing."
On the 10th, Kim mentioned on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that despite the impeachment situation, the Democratic Party's approval rating is not overwhelming. He said, "While the swift response during the martial law situation was commendable, the Democratic Party lacks the appearance of managing the government stably by broadly uniting the pro-impeachment factions as one pillar of governance." He added, "It is a task for the Democratic Party to show itself as a ruling party," and "If this is handled well, the Democratic Party can take the lead and navigate through the crisis successfully."
On the 29th of last month, Kim demanded through SNS that Lee Jae-myung and the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction "sincerely apologize and make it possible for those who have distanced themselves or left the party in disgrace during the local elections and general elections held after the 2022 presidential election to return willingly."
Regarding these remarks, Kim responded, "Because the party needed a shockwave." He explained, "Gaining power itself cannot be the goal. Winning the presidential election is natural, but after that, the government must be run successfully, and for that, inclusion, integration, and coalition must start now." He said, "I've been criticized so much that I feel full even without eating, but I was prepared for this, so it's okay," and added, "If our party becomes a greater Democratic Party and can create a successful democratic government after regime change and presidential victory, then I will have fulfilled my role fully."
He also said, "We must actively promote the reinstatement of those who left the party in disgrace," and "Lee Jae-myung will agree." He continued, "After reinstatement, I spoke with Lee, and he said, 'Our party should be a party where more diversity is realized, but it is regrettably not so.' Lee agrees with that direction, but it cannot be resolved by the thoughts of just the leader or a few party leaders. It will require a process of broadly seeking agreement and persuading our party's lawmakers, members, and supporters."
Furthermore, he emphasized, "This does not mean we must accept everyone who left," adding, "Principles and standards are necessary, but it is difficult to integrate with those who argue for exclusion. Those who want to unite for the presidential victory must be accepted."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
