Ahn Cheol-soo, Na Kyung-won Resignation? Suggests Possibility of "Capital Region Alliance"

Asked about the impact of alliance with Na Kyung-won in the Seoul metropolitan area
Ahn "I plan to do my best"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Ahn Cheol-soo, a presidential candidate of the People Power Party, hinted at the possibility of a 'Capital Region Alliance' with Na Kyung-won, Vice Chairwoman of the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee, who is reportedly expressing her intention to resign.

On the 10th, at the New Year's greeting event held at the People Power Party Gyeonggi Province Office, when asked about the impact of an alliance with Vice Chairwoman Na in the Capital Region, Ahn said, "What is really important for the party this time is to win in the Capital Region," adding, "I plan to do my best for that."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Vice Chairwoman Na is reported to have expressed her intention to resign from her position on the Low Birthrate and Aging Society Committee on the same day. Regarding her resignation, Ahn said, "I feel very regretful," and added, "It is a very important matter, but I understand there are circumstances; nonetheless, it is regrettable."

Previously, Ahn and Na had expressed agreement with Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun’s initial push for 'Capital Region candidacy for party leader.'

At a press conference announcing his candidacy for party leader the day before, Ahn said, "I am a three-term lawmaker based in Yeongnam but representing the Capital Region," and added, "We must confront the leadership in the Capital Region head-on." Vice Chairwoman Na said in a KBS radio interview on the 3rd of last month, "I have been involved in politics in the Capital Region the longest. I agree that the party leader should understand the sentiments of the Capital Region well."

As Vice Chairwoman Na clashed head-on with the Presidential Office over low birthrate policies, the Capital Region alliance centered on Ahn is expected to become a variable in the party leadership competition structure.

On the 5th, Vice Chairwoman Na proposed a low birthrate policy to forgive loans upon childbirth at a New Year’s meeting, but the Presidential Office rebutted, saying the policy was not pre-discussed, escalating tensions between the two sides.

Subsequently, Vice Chairwoman Na expressed regret on her Facebook, saying, "I regret causing misunderstandings," but the Presidential Office strongly criticized her, stating, "Such remarks and actions are unacceptable from a public official holding a key government position regarding a national policy that may involve tens of trillions of won."

In response, Vice Chairwoman Na reportedly conveyed her intention to resign to President Yoon Suk-yeol through Kim Dae-gi, Chief Secretary of the Presidential Office, saying, "I apologize for causing concern to the President." However, the Presidential Office stated in a briefing, "We have not heard of Vice Chairwoman Na Kyung-won's resignation from our side." This is interpreted as revealing the accumulated bitterness between the two sides.

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