Now Is a Time of War... A Party Leader with Strong Fighting Spirit Is Needed
AI Preliminary Feasibility Study Exemption and Establishment of Jeonnam Medical School Must Be Pursued
Bringing the Ministry of Climate and Energy to Honam Will Be Discussed If I Become Party Leader
We Need a Fighting Party Leader and a Working President
Representative Jung Chungrae of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "We are currently at war against insurrection," and emphasized, "We need a party leader with strong fighting spirit and combat power." He highlighted the need for a "fighting party leader and a working president," and said that he would take the first step toward the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration.
In an interview on July 8 with KBS Radio 1 Gwangju's "Start of Mudeung Morning," Jung said, "This is not a time of peace, but a wartime system," and stressed, "We must push through prosecution, media, and judicial reforms with lightning speed before Chuseok." He added, "First, reform; second, reform; third, reform," and stated, "The success of the Lee Jaemyung administration is both the spirit of the times and our mission."
Regarding his recent visits to the Honam region, Jung referred to his experience as co-chair of the "Alley-to-Alley Election Committee" during the last presidential election, when he traveled throughout Gwangju and Jeonnam. He said, "Without the 5·18 Democratization Movement, there would have been no June Struggle, and without the June Struggle, there would be no current Constitution," adding, "If that had been the case, Yoon Sukyeol's 12·3 Martial Law insurrection might have succeeded. I am deeply grateful for the spirit of Gwangju."
Regarding his rival Park Chandae's emphasis on "unity and cooperation," Jung firmly stated, "Cooperation is the president's responsibility." He continued, "The party must pass reform legislation, and do you think the People Power Party will cooperate obediently? We have no choice but to fight. Without fighting, there can be no victory, and without victory, there can be no stability." He added, "Now is the golden time to determine the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration. I will move forward without hesitation."
Jung also expressed his stance on current issues in the Honam region. He said, "During a meeting with the mayors and county heads of the 17 cities and counties in Jeonnam, there was a proposal to bring the Ministry of Climate and Energy to Honam," adding, "Although this requires a decision from the president, I said I would discuss it with the president if I become party leader."
Regarding Gwangju's ongoing AI National Pilot City project, Jung mentioned the need for an exemption from the preliminary feasibility study. He said, "Exemptions are sometimes granted for special regions like Gangwon Province. If the necessity is confirmed for Gwangju as well, I will actively pursue it." On the establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam, he stated, "Isn't Jeonnam a medical blind spot? Based on the principles of balance and proportionality, it is absolutely necessary. I will push for it strongly."
Jung reaffirmed his long-standing position on prosecution reform. He said, "The proposal to separate investigation and indictment into the Public Prosecution Office, Central Investigation Office, and National Investigation Commission has been a decades-old issue. The concrete plans are already in place, and after passing the law, it can be implemented with a grace period." Regarding the recent controversy over special activity funds for prosecutors, he said, "Under the Lee Jaemyung administration, only verifiable items should be executed in the budget. The total cut in the previous administration and the current budget allocation are fundamentally different in nature."
On the situation within the People Power Party, Jung commented, "They have failed to cross the river of insurrection and are stuck in the swamp of insurrection." He emphasized, "Without severing ties with President Yoon Sukyeol, it doesn't matter who becomes party leader. They must apologize for opposing Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment and clarify their position."
Regarding Representative Ahn Cheolsoo's resignation as Innovation Committee Chair and his declaration to run for party leader, Jung said, "If he intended to run, he should not have accepted the position of Innovation Committee Chair in the first place. In politics, we must consider facts, attitude, and intention together."
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