Ahn Cheolsoo, People Power Party Presidential Candidate, Holds Press Conference on April 20
"Silence is Consent"... Keeps Hong Junpyo, Na Kyungwon, and Kim Moonsoo in Check
On April 20, Ahn Cheolsoo, a presidential primary candidate for the People Power Party, emphasized, "With a candidate who opposes impeachment and betrays the Constitution, or a candidate who is trapped in the 'prosecutor administration' frame, defeat is inevitable."
At a press conference held at the National Assembly's communication center on the same day, Ahn stated, "We must strategically choose a candidate who can win the election," and stressed, "Only I, Ahn Cheolsoo, can win. I will overcome Lee Jaemyung and achieve victory." This statement came as he sought to keep his rivals in check ahead of the 100% public opinion poll on April 21-22, which will determine the four candidates advancing to the second round of the primary.
Ahn asserted, "Standing by the former president without reflection or remorse, even though the president was impeached for unconstitutional and illegal acts, is a betrayal of the liberal democratic Constitution and the rule of law." He pointed out, "This will only lead to the party being trapped throughout the presidential race in the frame of the 'martial law defenders' and playing into Lee Jaemyung's election strategy of setting up a contest between Lee Jaemyung and Yoon Sukyeol."
He further criticized, "Candidates referred to as 'Yoon's favorite' or 'Yoon's pick' are only aiming for vested interests after a crushing defeat in the presidential election, effectively giving up on the race. Meanwhile, candidates who solely advocate for 'anti-impeachment' are only strengthening Lee Jaemyung's bulletproof vest."
He stressed, "No matter what, we must prevent Lee Jaemyung from coming to power. Victory in the presidential election depends on expanding our base. We must win even a single more vote from moderates and the younger generation in order to succeed."
Regarding the news of Pastor Jeon Gwanghun's presidential bid, Ahn said, "During the impeachment crisis, Na Kyungwon, Kim Moonsoo, and Hong Joonpyo, who marched in step with Pastor Jeon and walked the path of the far right, must now clearly state their positions," adding, "Silence is consent, and ambiguity is complicity." He continued, "If you still follow Pastor Jeon Gwanghun's views and cannot sever ties with him, you should join Jeon Gwanghundang and compete in the primary there."
In a meeting with reporters, Ahn also targeted anti-impeachment candidates, stating, "The Constitutional Court already impeached the president by a vote of 8 to 0. You must accept that and, of course, make your pro-impeachment stance clear."
Regarding candidate Han Donghoon, Ahn commented, "Just three years ago, a president with insufficient political ability, who came from a prosecutor's background, was elected and ultimately failed. I believe it would be much better for the party and the country if he gained more political experience before running for president. It would be advisable for him to serve as a member of the National Assembly through a by-election or as a local government head, and then challenge the next presidential election."
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