"Runaway Train Politics Will Inevitably Derail"
Oh Sehoon Warns of Public Backlash Against Excesses by Ruling Party and Government
On September 3, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon criticized the Democratic Party of Korea, which is currently pushing for the Special Act on Insurrection, saying, "When I look at the government and the ruling party these days, I am reminded of a runaway train," and added, "Historical precedents show that runaway trains inevitably derail and overturn."
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon is introducing new executives at the opening ceremony of the 322nd Temporary Session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council held on the 27th of last month at the Seoul Metropolitan Council in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
After attending the forum "Hangang, the Future of Seoul: A More Promising Tomorrow for Seoul" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that afternoon, Mayor Oh met with reporters. When asked about the Democratic Party's push for the Special Act on Insurrection and the special prosecutor's attempt to raid the People Power Party, he responded, "If such excessive behavior continues, the public's stern checks will begin," he said.
Mayor Oh explained, "The People Power Party has just lost power and is only now starting to regroup," and added, "Seeing the runaway train shaking the opposition with excessive political offensives at such a timing, I strongly felt that derailment is not far off."
He continued, "I urge the government and the ruling party: moderation is key. I warn you clearly that, seeing the recent series of actions by the ruling party, including the Special Court for Insurrection, many citizens have begun to express deep concern."
Regarding Jeon Hyunhee, head of the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Comprehensive Response to the Three Major Special Prosecutors, who recently said, "We must thoroughly investigate any involvement of local governments in insurrection," Mayor Oh remarked, "It's truly pitiful to see."
Mayor Oh criticized, "Watching them virtually order the special prosecutor to conduct targeted investigations, I can't help but think these people are truly dangerous," and added, "Because of the various confusions shown by the government and the ruling party, they seem to have lost confidence in next year's local elections and are now expressing their intent to use unreasonable means to remove metropolitan area heads."
Regarding Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, Mayor Oh said, "Even in the face of intense offensives, I hope the leader will remain steadfast, reorganize the previously scattered ranks, and work hard toward the two difficult but necessary goals of expanding the party's support base and public appeal."
Mayor Oh added, "In that sense, seeing the appointments of the newly launched leadership team is somewhat reassuring," and continued, "Watching the steady reinforcement of personnel, including the spokesperson, secretary general, and policy committee chair, I get the impression that they are carefully making appointments to pursue these two difficult but essential goals."
Regarding plans for an alliance with the Reform Party led by Lee Junseok, Mayor Oh stated, "Whether it is a merger with the Reform Party, an electoral alliance, or any form of cooperation, I remain convinced that we must unite and work together to keep the runaway train in check."
Mayor Oh emphasized, "Especially with the local elections about nine months away, I expect that cooperation with the Reform Party will be the most effective way to rein in the runaway train," and added, "(I have) already started playing my role. As a senior member with responsibility in the party, I must not refrain from helping to guide things in the right direction."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
