Ahn Cheolsoo Rekindles Opposition Unification: "Any Method, Including a Joint Primary with People Power Party, Is Welcome"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Park Chuleung] With Ahn Cheolsoo, leader of the People’s Party, announcing his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral election, momentum for opposition party unification is expected to intensify.

During a press conference at the National Assembly on December 20, Ahn stated, "I will not run an election for Ahn Cheolsoo to win, but for the entire opposition to win." He added, "As the citizens’ candidate for Seoul and the unified opposition candidate, I will confidently step forward and serve as the driving force to halt the runaway of the current administration."

This means he intends to run not as the People’s Party candidate, but as a unified opposition candidate in alliance with the People Power Party. This can be seen as a proposal for both unification and competition with candidates from the People Power Party.

When asked about the possibility of joining the People Power Party, Ahn responded, "The most important goal is a change of government. To achieve this, the opposition must unite and face the ruling party with a single candidate." He continued, "With an open mind, I want to find the best possible way to win."

Regarding the possibility of holding a primary together with the People Power Party, he said, "I will not consider what is advantageous or disadvantageous. As long as fair competition is possible, any method is acceptable." He also mentioned, "I will meet and cooperate with anyone who agrees on a change of government, not only Chairman Kim Chongin but anyone else as well."

At the press conference, Ahn mentioned former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, saying, "We have witnessed the hypocrisy and pretense of the core members of this administration." Referring to Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, he said, "Watching the justice minister brazenly brandishing her sword in a reckless dance, we were appalled by the shamelessness of this administration." He also characterized the current government as a "dictatorial regime."

He went on to criticize the real estate issue, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine and hospital bed shortages. Ahn said, "If we do not judge this administration and its incompetence in next year’s by-election, Korea will be plunged into a dark era dominated forever by political activists who know nothing of the real world." He added, "I have realized that unless we directly drive a dagger of judgment into the heart of this lawless administration, nothing will change."

Based on this perception, he explained that his decision to run was driven by the urgent need for the opposition to win the by-election in order to keep the administration in check. He emphasized that alliance with the People Power Party is a fundamental premise.

Those from the People Power Party who have expressed intentions to run for Seoul mayor include former lawmakers Lee Hyehoon and Kim Seondong, Seocho District Mayor Cho Eunhee, former Songpa District Mayor Park Chunhee, and former lawmaker Lee Jonggu. However, none have achieved high approval ratings in opinion polls. Former lawmaker Na Kyungwon and former Seoul mayor Oh Sehoon have yet to clearly announce their intentions, and their competitiveness is also uncertain.

In this situation, there have been many voices within the People Power Party insisting that they must ultimately join hands with Ahn. Until now, Ahn had expressed a negative stance on running for Seoul mayor, but he has made a sudden turnaround.

At the press conference, Ahn said, "In the next presidential election, I wanted to present my vision for Korea’s new changes and future to the people and realize rational reform through centrist and pragmatic politics." He continued, "However, many respected elders earnestly told me, 'If the opposition fails to win the Seoul mayoral election next year, the presidential election will be meaningless, and if that happens, Korea will reach a point of no return.' I felt truly apologetic at the advice that 'the one who tied the knot must untie it.'"

The biggest hurdle to opposition unity is Kim Chongin, chairman of the People Power Party’s emergency committee. Chairman Kim has so far maintained a negative stance toward an alliance with Ahn. As preparations for the Seoul mayoral by-election proceed, discussions about a possible merger between the People Power Party and the People’s Party cannot be ruled out.

Ahn previously yielded his candidacy to the late Park Wonsoon, former Seoul mayor, in 2011, and ran unsuccessfully in the 2017 presidential and 2018 local elections.

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