"We Must Rebuild the Party from Its Roots to Survive"
"Without Restoring Public Trust, There Is No Future for the Party," Warns Ahn
Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, called for a drastic reform from the next floor leader and urged active cooperation with the ruling party's push for a special prosecutor.
On June 15, through his Facebook page, Ahn stated, "Tomorrow, our party will elect a new floor leader," and emphasized, "I earnestly ask for this. Endless reflection and self-examination are necessary."
Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, demanded a drastic reform from the next floor leader. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
In this post, Ahn outlined four tasks for the party leadership: continuous reflection and self-examination, holding a party convention as soon as possible, adopting a pragmatic approach in policy negotiations, and cooperating on the special prosecutor issue.
He first pointed out the need to clearly recognize and reflect on past responsibilities. Ahn said, "We must never turn away from our responsibilities regarding martial law and impeachment," adding, "Only by reflecting and reforming until the people say 'enough' can we open a new path."
He also mentioned the need to hold an early party convention. Ahn argued, "The floor leader should serve as acting emergency committee chair starting in July, and it is desirable to hold the party convention in August," stressing, "The longer the emergency committee system continues, the weaker the momentum for reform becomes. Power that is not elected lacks legitimacy." He continued, "We must quickly elect a new party leader and rebuild the party from its roots. Half-hearted compromises and incomplete reforms will only hasten the party's demise."
Regarding policy negotiations, he emphasized the importance of flexibility and a realistic perspective. Ahn said, "Negotiations with the ruling party require a cold strategy and flexible wisdom," and noted, "Amid internal and external crises such as the domestic economic downturn, the US-China power struggle, and tariffs, the Lee Jaemyung administration's dangerous security policies and populism must be kept in check." He added, "However, at the same time, we must also demonstrate pragmatic flexibility by actively negotiating on policies that concern the people's lives and future."
He also expressed his stance on the ongoing internal discussion about introducing a special prosecutor system. He said, "Please cooperate with the special prosecutor process," emphasizing, "We must be above reproach if we are to criticize others. We must boldly address and resolve any issues." Ahn appealed, "This is the first step in regaining the trust of the people. Above all, the most important thing is to regain the people's trust. Please take the lead in the path of painful reform and innovation, with an attitude of gratitude for the people's stern criticism."
The People Power Party is set to elect its floor leader in one day. So far, Kim Sungwon, Song Eonseok, and Lee Heonseung (in alphabetical order) have announced their candidacies, and the race is expected to be a three-way contest.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
