Democratic Party: "Difficult to ally with parties engaged in wasteful debates on ideology and sexual minorities"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Democratic Party of Korea stated regarding the 4.15 general election coalition party, "It is difficult to form an alliance with parties that cause unnecessary exhausting debates on ideology or LGBTQ issues." There are criticisms that this is practically a party formation led by the Democratic Party.

On the afternoon of the 17th, Yoon Hojung, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, told reporters, "‘Simineulwihayeo’ (For the Citizens) was chosen because it is the first platform party to complete the founding of the central party and receive the party registration certificate among platform parties."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the Political Reform Coalition, he drew a line by saying, "We judge that it is difficult to form an alliance with parties that can cause unnecessary exhausting debates on ideological issues or LGBTQ issues." It is known that the Green Party, Future Party, and Minjung Party are in consultation with the Political Reform Coalition, which is composed of civil society figures. In the case of the Minjung Party, former members of the Unified Progressive Party are participating, which the Democratic Party has expressed reluctance about.

When asked if he is still negative about the participation of the Minjung Party, Secretary-General Yoon said, "The election landscape is highly controversial," adding, "We do not want ideological issues to be triggered." He further said, "We cannot include parties on the far left. It is easier for supporters to accept and will not greatly shake the current election landscape if we choose alliance partners within the range of parties with which policy cooperation is possible."

The Green Party proposed LGBTQ-related tasks such as "legalization of marriage equality (same-sex marriage)" and "removal of gender indication from resident registration numbers" as pledges for the 21st general election. When asked if it is difficult for the Green Party, which has LGBTQ policies, to participate, Secretary-General Yoon replied, "There are many excellent policies otherwise, so we can work together, but recommending proportional representation candidates is a matter that must be strictly negotiated."

The proportional platform party chosen by the Democratic Party, ‘Simineulwihayeo’ (For the Citizens), includes the reform National Movement Headquarters faction supporting former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and prosecutorial reform. When reporters asked if this means that only parties within the scope permitted by the Democratic Party can participate in the political coalition, he emphasized, "We are forming a proportional coalition party because the United Future Party is trying to gain more seats than public opinion through the Future Korea Party. Preventing this is the priority."

He added about the Political Reform Coalition, "Since it is a platform party representing civil society, it seems they strongly assert the leadership of civil society."

The Democratic Party is keeping the possibility open. Secretary-General Yoon said, "If the Green Party and Future Party express their intention to participate in ‘Simineulwihayeo,’ we will not refuse," and "If the Political Reform Coalition also pushes for integration, we are willing to accept it." He added, "We plan to keep the door open for joining until the end of this week."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.