Ahn Cheol-soo Announces 'Bumin Ganguk' Vision... "Will Be the Primer Opening a New Century"

Ahn Cheol-soo, People's Party Presidential Candidate, to Hold New Year's Press Conference at National Assembly on 25th
Emphasizes 'Definite Regime Change,' 'Formation of National Unity Cabinet,' and 'Paradigm Shift in State Governance'

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, presented a vision focusing on "definite regime change," "formation of a national unity cabinet," and "paradigm shift in state governance."

On the 25th, Ahn held a New Year press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "We will send off the old system that has been repeated so far and become the catalyst for a new era opening a new 100 years."

Ahn identified regime change as the first task for a prosperous and strong nation. He criticized the current administration, saying, "The state governance and politics over the past four and a half years have shown that a prosperous and strong nation cannot be realized without regime change," and "The current government and ruling party have proven themselves unfit to govern."

He continued, "Definite regime change begins with the competitiveness between opposition candidates and ruling party candidates," emphasizing, "It is important who among the opposition candidates can achieve a 'better regime change'." He warned, "'Blind regime change' relying on reflexive benefits is dangerous. An unprepared regime change is likely to follow the footsteps of failed previous administrations," and stressed, "The criteria for the right person to realize definite regime change should be competitiveness against the ruling party candidate in the election and the ability to form a successful government after the election."

Ahn also saw the need for a national unity cabinet. He cited the historical fact that divided countries have never overcome crises. He said, "If you win with 51%, the remaining 49% of public opinion should not be discarded on the streets through exclusionary politics, but a political structure and culture reflecting the will of all citizens in state affairs must be created," and explained, "If elected, I will form a national unity cabinet that appoints capable talents regardless of political factions. Including the Prime Minister, members of the State Council and other ministerial-level officials will be primarily those recommended by coalition political parties."

Along with this, he raised his voice that the state governance paradigm, which has lasted for the past 35 years, must change. As practical measures, he proposed changing the government’s name to the executive branch, opening the Gwanghwamun President era, downsizing the Presidential Secretariat, making the ruling-opposition council substantive, and banning political retaliation. Ahn said, "The president’s own reform to break away from the imperial presidency is the most urgent," and added, "The president’s status and role must be democratically redefined, and the style of state governance must be fundamentally changed."

Ahn expressed confidence that strong reform implementation will lead the Republic of Korea to become a prosperous and strong nation. He said, "Above all, reforms in the three major areas of education, labor, and pensions cannot be avoided," and stated, "Even if I am criticized and attacked, I will fight vested interests through genuine reform, protect young people and the common people, and correct wrongs one by one without fail."

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