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| Chairman of the minor opposition People's Party Ahn Cheol-soo speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly, Monday, the 100th day of his inauguration as party head. / Yonhap |
By Kim Hyo-jin
People's Party Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo vowed to strengthen the party's centrist presence, Monday, reiterating his vision for a multi-party system in Korean politics that used to be dominated by ruling and main opposition parties.
Ahn underlined the need to create a political force that embraces both liberals and conservatives, renewing his determination to seek an alliance or integration with the minor conservative Bareun Party.
"Breaking down the political landscape led by the two big parties is directly related to the question of whether the People's Party can survive or not," Ahn said in a press conference that marks the 100th day of his inauguration as party head.
"By building a stable third political force, I will lay the ground for a he multi-party system."
Ahn has actively sought to join hands with reform-minded conservatives _ meaning Bareun Party members _ to strengthen the party's presence, particularly ahead of local elections slated for June next year.
The move has made little progress amid a backlash by senior members of the People's Party who follow the legacy of liberal former President Kim Dae-jung.
Ahn alluded that he will keep pushing for a merger with the Bareun Party although it will take time. He dismissed speculation that he may give up the plan due to the ongoing internal conflict.
"We are now cross-checking how similar the two parties' visions and thoughts are," he said. "Now we are at a stage of figuring out the differences between the parties and collecting the opinions of their respective members."
He laid out a reform agenda in politics, saying the existing parties should overcome regionalism and open themselves to new outside figures.
"The People's Party will create an atmosphere where new figures can easily enter politics. We will work on expanding our presence so we become a party competent enough to lead an administration," he said.
Touching upon a campaign strategy for the upcoming local elections, Ahn claimed that it should be a "three-party competition," hinting that he can join hands with other minor parties to present joint candidates to compete with rivals from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the main opposition Liberty Korea Party.
Ahn expressed hopes for a rebound of the party's low popularity, saying, "The support rate does not change due to a single event. It can happen at a certain time after a long-time accumulation of public trust. It's what we have witnessed over the past five years."
He criticized the Moon Jae-in government for its North Korea policy. "Moon needs to make a genuine explanation to the public on what is the actual security status or how high the chances are of military conflict with the North," he said. "He should contemplate on why people ridicule the government, saying its one and only strength is causing confusion."
When asked about whether he will run for the Seoul mayoral post in the local elections, he said he was open to all possibilities. "I will do whatever the party decides," he said.
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