New Choice: "The Third Zone Must Be a Single Party... Let's Start by Creating a Minimum Platform"

New Choice proposed the launch of a working-level consultative body to explore a minimum platform as a starting point for the integration of parties and others that revealed the third zone on the 17th and for the integrated party. The integration timing is set around the Lunar New Year, with pluralism and coexistence presented as the goals.

Geum Tae-seop and Jo Seong-ju, co-representatives of New Choice, and Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, introduced the goals of the third zone and the principles for the integration of third zone parties at a New Year's press briefing at the National Assembly that day.

On the 17th of last month, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the New Choice Party Founding Convention held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. From the right: Ryu Ho-jeong, Justice Party member of the National Assembly; Yang Hyang-ja, representative of Hope of Korea; Jo Seong-ju; Geum Tae-seop, co-representative of New Choice; Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party; Lee Jun-seok, former representative.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

Representative Geum stated, "The form of the third zone new party should be a single party," and suggested the direction by saying, "Whether it is a merger or a new party formation, creating a third zone new party means forming a much stronger coalition than a loose cooperation like an electoral alliance." He emphasized that parties advocating the third zone, such as the Reform New Party, Future Grand Alliance, New Future, New Choice, and Hope of Korea, which have already been formed or are planned to be formed, should cooperate ahead of the general election.

He added, "Each force pursuing new politics should put aside differences except for the essential issue of changing politics and gather within 'one healthy party,'" and introduced, "The single party can use party organizations that have already completed the party formation process or create a new party in the form of a merger."

Regarding the direction of dialogue, Representative Geum promised, "Although the period is short, practicing 'politics of respect' is the way to show voters the image of new and responsible politics," and "We will start the dialogue with the principle of mutual respect."

Representative Jo proposed a working-level consultative body for integration. He said, "While I do not deny that there is a need for 'individual time' to explain reasons to existing supporters and organize positions during the party formation process," he also stated, "Considering the general election schedule, it is urgent to coordinate and adjust the positions of each force, and at least around the Lunar New Year, there is a timetable to launch an integrated party." In other words, the integrated party should be launched around the Lunar New Year.

Regarding the integrated party and its direction, Representative Jo disclosed the minimum platform prepared by New Choice.

According to the minimum platform, the goal of the integrated party is to overcome new authoritarianism and fandom politics and aim to restore 'pluralistic democracy.' It is aligned with a problem-solving coalition that transcends camps to address issues such as polarization, demographic crisis, climate crisis, and low growth, which affect the future of the community.

In relation to political judiciary, overcoming the imperial presidency, restoring the prosecution's investigative authority and reducing special investigation units, and reducing parliamentary privileges were proposed. In the economic and social fields, the implementation of negative regulation, research and development (R&D) conducted without interference, pension reform, and medium burden and medium welfare were suggested. Additionally, the minimum platform includes measures such as responding to population decline through gender equality in housework and childcare, focusing on renewable energy, and gradually reducing nuclear power generation.

Lawmaker Ryu said, "I will be responsible for the 'unexpected' ingredients and 'unfamiliar' seasoning in the third zone new party," and argued, "'Pluralism' and 'coexistence' are keywords for the third zone new party in that sense." He added, "It is not easy to find commonalities between Lee Jun-seok and Lee Nak-yeon, Cho Eung-cheon and Yang Hyang-ja, Geum Tae-seop and Ryu Ho-jeong," but said, "If pluralism is accepted and coexistence is aimed for, I am confident that ordinary citizens' support can be gained."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.