Cho Kyungtae Criticizes Ahn Chulsoo for Ignoring Party Members' Demands as Pro-Impeachment Candidate Unification Falls Through

"Unification with Ahn Chulsoo Remains Only an Echo"
"Unify Under Kyungtae Cho, No. 1 in Public Opinion and Among Moderates"

The unification of pro-impeachment candidates for the People Power Party leadership, considered the final variable in the party convention, has fallen through. On August 19, Assemblyman Kyungtae Cho of the People Power Party stated, "Assemblyman Chulsoo Ahn has ignored the urgent call from the public and party members for the unification of reformist candidates," and appealed, "Please unify under Kyungtae Cho, who ranks first in public opinion polls and among moderates."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Assemblyman Cho said, "In the end, unification with Assemblyman Ahn has remained nothing but an echo," and added, "Now, I ask the public and fellow party members to choose the unified reformist candidate."

Rep. Kyungtae Cho, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership, is holding a press conference for party members at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

He explained, "I have sincerely proposed the unification of reformist candidates to Assemblyman Ahn several times. I entrusted all methods and procedures for unification to him," and continued, "The proposal to unify candidates for party reform was a determination and commitment to save the party through innovation."

He went on to say, "It is regrettable when I think about the deep intentions and aspirations of reformist leaders who have taken on political burdens and risks to urge the unification of reformist candidates, and of young leaders who have put this unification into practice themselves. I apologize to everyone who hoped for the unification of reformist candidates."

Assemblyman Cho emphasized, "However, I cannot give up on the unification of reformist candidates," and urged, "Please choose Kyungtae Cho, the beginning and driving force of reform."

Since announcing his candidacy for the party leadership, Assemblyman Cho has proposed the unification of pro-impeachment candidates. However, despite his repeated overtures, Assemblyman Ahn has consistently maintained a negative stance toward unification. Appearing on Yonhap News TV that day, Assemblyman Ahn stated, "There is a runoff in the party leadership election. It is highly unusual to discuss unification when a runoff exists," drawing a clear line. He also emphasized, "Party members and the public will make a wise decision and create unification themselves."