Proposal of a "Grand Innovation Roundtable"
to Ahn Cheolsoo and Han Donghoon
On July 23, Representative Cho Kyungtae of the People Power Party called for the unification of 'innovation candidates,' urging, "Let us free the People Power Party from the disgraceful label of being a party of rebellion." This appears to emphasize the need for unification with Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, who has declared his candidacy for party leader, and former leader Han Donghoon, who is reportedly considering a run.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly's Communication Center that day, Cho stated, "I propose a grand innovation roundtable centered on candidates who will unite the reformist forces, defeat those driving the party toward far-right self-destruction, and serve as the heart of the People Power Party's reconstruction."
Through this roundtable, he proposed, "Let us transparently and democratically discuss and decide on the method for selecting a single candidate and on a joint party innovation platform," emphasizing, "This is the true realization of democracy."
He continued, "The People Power Party now stands on the edge of a cliff," adding, "We are at a critical crossroads: collapse or takeoff, self-destruction or revival, downfall or reconstruction." He further argued, "If the party's will does not reflect the people's will, it is nothing more than a pseudo-interest group for certain individuals or factions. We must become a party that truly serves the people."
Cho added, "Let us join forces to save the party. Let us become one," and appealed, "I earnestly request candidate unification under the banner of innovation."
Previously, on July 21, Cho had held a press conference at the National Assembly to declare his candidacy for party leader, stating, "Those who support and wish to participate in innovation should unify their candidacies." However, when asked about Cho's proposal, Ahn responded, "I am not considering unification at all at this time," and added, "I think such talk of unification is far too premature."
So far, those who have announced their intention to run for People Power Party leader include Cho Kyungtae, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, Representatives Ahn Cheolsoo, Jang Donghyuk, and Joo Jinwoo, former Presidential Office Future Strategy Planning Officer Jang Sungmin, and former lawmaker Yang Hyangja.
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