Ahn Cheol-soo: "Even if I am elected Mayor of Seoul, there will be no political retaliation"

“I have no intention to repeat the Naeronambul-style purge of deep-rooted evils”

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 24th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, stated on the 28th, “Even if I am elected as the Mayor of Seoul, there will never be political retaliation. The past nine years of administration will be regarded as a period of accumulation for Seoul’s future,” adding, “We should inherit what was done well and learn from the mistakes, rather than resetting everything to zero and punishing responsibility as if it were a meaningless time.”

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Ahn said, “I recently received valuable advice from someone well acquainted with the internal affairs of Seoul City,” and explained, “Because the previous mayor had controlled the administration for such a long time, Seoul city officials who were inevitably mobilized for the mayor’s personal interests and projects are feeling considerable anxiety about the election of an opposition candidate.”

He continued, “The nature of this Seoul mayoral by-election and the administration elected through it not only signify political judgment on the incompetence and recklessness of the Moon Jae-in administration and the previous mayor, but above all, it is about properly settling the past nine years of Seoul’s administration and creating alternatives,” emphasizing, “If the new administration focuses solely on overturning everything and holding everyone accountable, we will fall into severe division and chaos again. I have no intention whatsoever of repeating the reckless, double-standard style purge of accumulated evils by President Moon Jae-in and the Democratic Party of Korea administration.”

He added, “As soon as the new administration is formed, we will establish the ‘Seoul Future Vision Committee,’ composed of proven policy-capable civil society members, sound and capable opposition politicians, policy experts from universities and research institutes, professional businesspeople, and Seoul city officials, to begin the settlement process of the past nine years of Seoul’s administration,” and said, “We will transparently disclose the process and results of this settlement and reflect citizens’ opinions to refine Seoul’s new administrative reform direction and future vision.”

Regarding President Moon, Ahn said, “As you said when appointing Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, investigations into corruption by the living powers of the prosecution should not be blocked. Withdraw the wrong personnel appointments and forced nominations that the majority of the public cannot accept. Exercise veto power against the reckless laws that were forcibly passed and request that they be reconsidered in the National Assembly,” emphasizing, “We must restore cooperative politics that respect the opposition party and normalize politics.”

Ahn also stated, “Regarding the careless and irresponsible failure to secure vaccines and the lies to cover up incompetence, honestly acknowledge the mistakes and apologize,” and warned, “Do not try to cover up public anger with news of vaccine purchase contracts that are half a year later than other countries by using tricks.”

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