Ahn Cheol-soo Makes Bold Move: "Pursuing Merger with People Power Party... Opposition Grand Unity Is the Only Way to Survive" (Comprehensive)

Ahn Cheol-soo, Leader of the People Party (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Park Juni] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, has officially expressed his intention to pursue a merger with the People Power Party for the grand unification of the opposition. He also left open the possibility of a merger even if he is not selected as the unified opposition candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election.

On the 16th at the National Assembly, Ahn stated, "I will become the unified opposition candidate and form an integrated election committee with the People Power Party to lay the practical foundation for the grand unification of the opposition," adding, "If I become the mayor of Seoul and gain the support of the People’s Party members, I will push for a merger with the People Power Party."

Ahn explained, "By promoting the grand unification of the broad opposition in three stages based on the foundation of the two-party merger, I will definitely establish a foothold for regime change," and added, "This is a promise I make to the people, but I also believe it is an order that the era gives to the entire opposition."

Regarding the talk that former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and Ahn would take different paths in the third zone, he drew a line by calling it 'fake news.' On this, Ahn said, "It is outrageous," and "Someone has been continuously spreading such fake news behind the scenes, troubling me all along."

He also emphasized, "Only grand unification is the way to survive," and "Only grand unification can stop the incompetence and tyranny of the Moon Jae-in administration. For South Korea to uphold the spirit of the constitution, maintain the rule of law, and become a society of common sense, we must take the path of grand unification."

While pursuing opposition unification with Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election, Ahn made it clear that he could still push for a merger even if he is not the unified candidate. After the press conference, when asked by reporters, "Are you saying that even if you are not the unified candidate, you are open to a merger for grand unification?" Ahn replied, "Yes."

He continued, "I am not considering various scenarios or conditions. Whether I become the unified candidate or not, I will do my utmost to ensure the opposition’s victory in the Seoul mayoral election," and said, "I will do my best to achieve grand unification of the opposition so that we do not become divided and can hold the presidential election to bring about regime change."

He did not forget to ask Seoul citizens for their support. Ahn appealed, "A candidate who is unshakable against any ruling party’s schemes must be chosen, so please select me, who is clean and flawless," and said, "Ahn Cheol-soo’s victory is a victory for the entire opposition. It is the starting point for creating a unified front for all those who wish for regime change. You can trust and choose Ahn Cheol-soo without any doubt."

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