"What We Need Now Is Not a Blood Transfusion, but Reflection and Innovation"
Presidential Bid: "I Will Win by Following the Will of the People"
Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party who announced his candidacy for the presidential election this June, sharply criticized the 'Han Deok-su endorsement theory,' saying, "Really, is there no such talent in our party?" and added, "What we need now is not a 'blood transfusion' but 'reflection and innovation.'"
Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, fiercely criticized the movement within the party to endorse Han Deok-soo. Yonhap News
On the 16th, Ahn posted on Facebook, "Suddenly, there are claims about 'bringing in external personnel' and proposing (Han Deok-su), the acting Prime Minister, as a presidential candidate," pointing out, "We are in a trade war with the United States and have to manage a crisis situation, yet even the Prime Minister is being dragged into the primary." This is interpreted as criticism of the fact that despite Han's failed participation in the People Power Party primary, the 'Han Deok-su endorsement theory' still persists within the party.
He said, "From today, our party's presidential primary begins. All the candidates are formidable, and they unanimously say they can defeat Lee Jae-myung," but he analyzed, "The gap in party support continues to widen. Since the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl, our party has become more distant from public sentiment."
He further argued, "It is natural for the ruling party to deeply feel responsible and reflect on the fact that the president we produced could not complete the term. Especially those who recently defended the president should feel a greater sense of responsibility." He criticized, "While the public is angry, some have become even more confident. Most candidates' declarations lack reflection and apology." He pointed out, "Because of the lack of empathy with public sentiment, the entire party is ultimately being ignored by the people."
Ahn said, "It has been like this since the death of Chae Sang-byeong. Then, after December 3rd, we were trapped in a sea of martial law," and urged, "Now, bringing in external personnel is nothing but drawing lines on a pumpkin and deceiving the people. Only a party and candidates that reform toward public sentiment can defeat Lee Jae-myung (leader of the Democratic Party)."
He also mentioned, "Last week, Oh Se-hoon, who withdrew from the race, said we must break away from the old conservatism and open a new path for conservatism. He called for transforming into a party that dedicates itself to the vulnerable beyond just opposing Lee Jae-myung," then self-evaluated, "Even if I am lonely, I have walked a path that meets the people's expectations." He added, "It has not been an easy path, but because I have party members and the people, I can speak about principles and convictions. I, Ahn Cheol-soo, will open change through the people's will. I will win," appealing for support.
Within the People Power Party, debates continue over Han's position. Especially among candidates who have entered the presidential primary, opposition is strong. Regarding this, former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon criticized, "Some lawmakers are stirring up ideas like 'How about this?'" and said, "To put it bluntly, it's like 'theme stock price manipulation.'"
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
