7 Months Before the Presidential Election, Political Realignments... Ruling Party's "Merger Theory" Rises, Opposition's "Unification Theory" Precarious

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Gu Chae-eun] With about seven months remaining until the presidential election, a wave of political realignment is sweeping through the political sphere. Although the merger process between the People Power Party and the People’s Party is somewhat faltering, discussions are still ongoing, and within the ruling camp, a ‘Open Democratic Party integration theory’ sparked by Choo Mi-ae is gaining momentum.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 11th, former Minister Choo appeared on the radio and emphasized, "Even if it is not a party-to-party merger, there is a need to create a form of policy alliance." She stated, "If we unite and come together, we will win; if we fail to manage divisive elements, we will lose. The party leader must grow the party to create a presidential election atmosphere, so (Party Leader Song Young-gil) himself must take an active role." The Open Democratic Party side also responded positively to this proposal, saying, "We welcome it and think positively."

Regarding the discussion of an alliance between the Democratic Party and the Open Democratic Party, presidential candidates within the party, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Du-kwan, are in favor. On the other hand, candidates Lee Nak-yeon, Chung Sye-kyun, and Park Yong-jin advocate caution, citing concerns that it could influence primary election votes. Since the Open Democratic Party’s support base is largely composed of ardent pro-Moon Jae-in supporters and supporters of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, it is also calculated that this could be a favorable variable for former Minister Choo, who has a strong reformist inclination.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The stalled merger issue between the People Power Party and the People’s Party is expected to reach a critical point this week. On the 8th, Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, stated, "I intend to take time to reflect during this week." In this regard, a People’s Party official said, "After Leader Ahn announced his time for reflection, he has been reclusive." Initially, Secretary-General Lee Tae-gyu was in favor of the merger, while Floor Leader Kwon Eun-hee opposed it, but currently, the party atmosphere seems to be leaning toward independent survival.

It all comes down to Leader Ahn’s decision. Some outline is expected to emerge at the Supreme Council meeting on the 12th. Previously, Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, publicly declared that the final deadline for negotiations with Leader Ahn regarding the merger was last week.

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