Ahn Cheol-soo decides not to join conservative main opposition party

Aug 17, 2021, 08:29 am

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People's Party chairman Ahn Cheol-soo/ Photographed by Lee Byung-hwa

AsiaToday reporter Lee Wook-jae

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the minor opposition People’s Party (PP), announced an end Monday to negotiations with the main opposition People Power Party over a merger.

“I have had time to think things over,” Ahn said in a press conference at the National Assembly.

“There have been many ups and downs since I entered into politics, but I had the toughest time lately,” he said. “I did not achieve the final result I desired because I am inadequate. I am sorry for failing to deliver good news to those hoping for a merger.”

“The People’s Party and I have emphasized that the most important principle of unification is to expand the support base in the opposition bloc for regime change,” he said. “The purpose of unification is to unite moderates and conservatives to achieve a transfer of power to create a better country.”

“I have come to the conclusion that a merger for merger’s sake or getting rid of one small party is not desirable to achieve a transfer of power or to create a better country,” Ahn said. “It is impossible to achieve a change of government without expanding our support base.”

“A change of government should not repeat confrontational politics between the two major parties,” he said. “It should be a better regime change. The process of regime change should bring about bold reforms that will create a better country.”

“Politics today should not boldly shift from ideology to practicality, from confrontation to problem-solving, and from the past to the future,” he added.

“The People’s Party is a pragmatic centrist party. We will unite people and solve our current problems while leading national reform and setting a future agenda for younger generations,” the PP chairman said.

Ahn said he and his party will muster up courage and continue to walk down a tough path and serve the country.

Asked about his future plans, he said, “I will have time to speak separately about my plan. I will first reorganize the party, which has been in a state of confusion, and communicate with our party members to find a way forward.”

Regarding the possibility of joining forces with former Deputy Prime Minister Kim Dong-yeon, Ahn said, “I don’t have any plans at the moment,” but added, “However, I am ready to meet and discuss with anyone who thinks about the future of the country and is willing to create a better Korea.”

#Peoples Party #Ahn Cheol-soo #People Power Party #merger