De Facto Declaration of Presidential Bid
On the 23rd, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, issued a declaration appealing for a change of era and national unity. This is interpreted as a de facto declaration of his presidential bid in preparation for the possibility of an early presidential election ahead of the Constitutional Court's final arguments on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol.
Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference on current issues at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News
On the same day, Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office in the morning and said, "Regardless of the outcome (at the Constitutional Court), we must pursue a predetermined future of stability and development that no one can deny."
He pointed out, "South Korean politics has become so extreme that it is beyond healing, with ideological conflicts, regional divisions, generational divides, gender splits, and now even factional splits within factions, driving the people into fear," adding, "It is a moment of crisis where growth, development, and democracy have stopped and are heading toward catastrophe."
He continued, "South Korea is a proud country that has achieved economic growth and democracy admired by the world in the shortest time in history," and emphasized, "Politics must stop causing anxiety and division among the people. A revolutionary reform is needed to return politics to serving and being devoted to the people."
He also advocated the necessity of constitutional amendment and revision of the Public Official Election Act. He said, "Constitutional amendment and election law reform do not merely change the power structure and election system," adding, "They also play a role in changing the people accordingly."
Furthermore, he stated, "While the systems related to law enforcement, such as prosecutorial power, police power, and judicial power, are problematic, the issue of power-oriented individuals is also serious," proposing the introduction of a multi-member constituency system that can simultaneously reduce presidential powers and the legislative powers of the National Assembly while establishing checks and balances.
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