Regarding the Centrist-Conservative Coalition Theory... Ahn Cheol-soo: "Joining the Democratic Party? Absolutely Not"

"Ahn, Han, and Yoo Coalition? Too Premature...
We Must Establish a Vision for the Future"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, drew a clear line regarding the theory of centrist-conservative coalition, stating, "I will never join the Democratic Party."

On the 4th, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Ahn said, "The current Democratic Party is different from before," adding, "The current Democratic Party is a one-man party led by Lee Jae-myung, a bulletproof party, and to put it more severely, it is also called a totalitarian party."

This was a response to recent remarks by former Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin and others mentioning the possibility of a grand coalition between centrists and conservatives. On the 25th of last month, Park said on the same radio show, "It is a tug-of-war situation with pro-insurrection forces. Ahn, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform New Party, and Yoo Seung-min, former People Power Party lawmaker, should also be pulled in," supporting the centrist-conservative coalition theory. Earlier, on the 20th of last month, Jeong Seong-ho, a leader of the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, mentioned promoting a centrist-conservative coalition, referring to former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and the pro-impeachment faction, as well as the Reform New Party.

Ahn Cheol-soo, People Power Party member. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Regarding the speculation of an early presidential election and the coalition rumors among Ahn, former leader Han, and former lawmaker Yoo, Ahn responded, "It is very premature to talk about it when it is not even certain whether an early election will be held." Ahn said, "What we need to do together with former leader Han and former lawmaker Yoo is to present visions such as constitutional amendments for a change of era and social structural reforms on economic issues," adding, "I hope there will continue to be opportunities for each of us to express our thoughts on such matters from now on."

Regarding Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor, emerging as a strong next presidential candidate, Ahn said, "It seems that the aspirations of those who believe the president should not be impeached are gathering around Minister Kim," but added, "Once the Constitutional Court's decision is made, things will be newly organized." Ahn explained, "If the impeachment is accepted and the early presidential race begins, the current approval ratings will fluctuate significantly," and "If the impeachment is dismissed, the current approval ratings will become useless, and preparations for the presidential election two years later will be necessary."

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