Ahn Cheol-soo: "I Never Said I Was Conservative... It's Natural to Join Hands for Policies"

"Always Maintain Critical Views Toward the Government and Ruling Party with Heavy Responsibilities"
"The Principle Is to Join Hands with Any Party to Implement Policies"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is giving a greeting at the 1st Innovation Preparation Committee meeting and general election evaluation held on the afternoon of the 4th at the Yeouido Irum Center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, stated on the 6th, "I am an opposition (politician), not a conservative," adding, "I have consistently maintained critical opinions toward the government and ruling party, which bear great responsibility."

On the same day, Ahn appeared on KBS Radio's 'Open Debate' and said, "My thoughts have not changed, but when the conservative party is in power, criticizing them as the opposition is considered progressive, whereas criticizing the government in the current structure is labeled conservative."

He continued, "To implement policies, it is the principle of parliamentary operation to join hands with any party that agrees with them," explaining, "If there are multiple opposition parties, the opinions of many more citizens can be properly reflected."

He emphasized, "We do not follow anyone; if the ruling party agrees with the proposed alternatives, we cooperate with them to pass them, and if the opposition agrees, we cooperate with the opposition. I believe it is wrong to work 100% with either the ruling party or the opposition."

Regarding the recent general election, he evaluated, "I see it as a result that makes us realize that the will of the people is the will of heaven," adding, "In this case, it is not the ruling party's victory but the opposition's defeat. The opposition did not fulfill its role sufficiently, and I think the people chose this as a warning message."

He also said, "The people are disappointed with politicians who pursue private interests over public ones, and with politics that only fights without solving livelihood issues," adding, "I think they are also disappointed with politics that reigns over the people like kings."

Finally, he added, "Although small, I started politics to help change at least one of the three things," and said, "My original intention has not changed. The reason this sincerity was not properly conveyed is due to my lack of ability."

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