Joint Campaign Speech for Democratic Party Leadership Candidates in Yeongnam on July 20
"Completion of Bu-Ul-Gyeong Mega City... Opening a Metropolitan Transportation Network"
Park Chan-dae, a lawmaker running for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, raised his voice in criticism against the party for proceeding with the leadership and Supreme Council candidate election despite extreme torrential rains, saying, "This is not the time to turn our backs on the people just because there is an election."
At the joint campaign event for the Yeongnam region, held at the Democratic Party's central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on July 20, Park stated, "The Lee Jae-myung administration has decided to swiftly consider declaring special disaster zones, but where is the Democratic Party right now?"
Previously, Park's camp had argued that the party should temporarily suspend the leadership election schedule in consideration of the nationwide damage caused by heavy rains.
Park emphasized, "Lives come before elections, and the people come before politics." He added, "As soon as I finish this speech, I will head straight to the flood recovery sites." He continued, "I will help set up even one more tent, carry even one more brick," and "I will brush the mud off our bowls, restore daily life, and prioritize people's livelihoods."
Park also made pledges directed at party members in the Yeongnam region. He said, "I will complete the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) Mega City project," and "I will ensure the establishment of a one-hour metropolitan transportation network." He further pledged, "I will see through the relocation of public institutions of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, promote Ulsan as a city specialized in artificial intelligence (AI), establish an international logistics hub in Gyeongnam, implement the Daegu Cultural and Artistic Capital Project, and complete the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport project?all under the banner of the Yeongnam Democratic Party."
He stated, "Yeongnam's challenges should not be faced alone, and Honam must never be isolated again," adding, "The central party must take responsibility and fully support both Yeongnam and Honam."
He continued, "I will revive the local party chapters," and "I will establish support associations for regional committees outside the National Assembly, so they can raise political donations."
He also said, "I will reform the party's system so that residents in strategic regions, including Yeongnam, do not suffer the hardship of being without a lawmaker," and "I will create a structure where the central party is responsible for regional policies and budgets."
In conclusion, he stated, "I, Park Chan-dae, am the party leader most needed by President Lee Jae-myung, the one who can build a party based on party members' sovereignty, and the leader who can ensure victory for both Yeongnam and Honam together. I ask for your trust and support in choosing Park Chan-dae."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
