The Justice Innovation Party stated that its upcoming national convention, scheduled for July 25 at the Suwon Convention Center, will serve as a crucial step in solidifying the party. The party also expressed its intention to gather opinions from members regarding a potential unification with the Democratic Party, emphasizing a desire to avoid using the unification process as a tool for internal power struggles within the Democratic Party.
Seo Wang-jin, chairman of the national convention preparation committee, made these remarks during a press conference held at the National Assembly on July 5. He stated, "We will move forward in an orderly manner based on various opinions regarding cooperation and unification with the newly elected leadership."
The Justice Innovation Party has confirmed that the theme of this national convention will be 'Into the People, Forward with Reform.' The party aims to closely listen to the voices of the public and its members, as highlighted in the recent local elections and by-elections, and to establish its direction. To facilitate this, the party plans to hold listening sessions in four regions—Yeongnam, Honam, Chungcheong, and the capital area—throughout July.
Additionally, the party declared its commitment to the paths of self-reliance, prioritizing reform tasks, and establishing politics rooted in local communities and people's livelihoods.
The newly elected leadership will face the challenge of addressing the unification issue with the Democratic Party. The Justice Innovation Party plans to discuss this matter after the Democratic Party's national convention, which is set for August 17.
Reports indicate that there are differing opinions within the Justice Innovation Party regarding unification. Some members believe that strengthening the party's own power should take precedence, while others argue that unification, even through absorption, is necessary for the upcoming 2028 general elections and the 2030 presidential elections.
Within the Democratic Party, opinions are also divided among potential candidates for the national convention. Former leader Jeong Cheong-rae advocates for swift discussions on unification with the Justice Innovation Party, while former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok criticized Jeong for expressing unification intentions without consulting the party leadership, suggesting that a legal absorption method is necessary.
In response, Shin Jang-sik, who has decided to run for party leader, stated, "We will focus on self-reliance and create a coalition to confront forces that deny democracy, while the unification issue is a matter for the Justice Innovation Party to decide."
With Shin's decision to run for party leader, Kim Jun-hyung, the acting party leader, will lead the party for the time being. Currently, Shin is running for party leader, while former secretary-general Hwang Hyun-seon is also a candidate for the Supreme Council. Lawmaker Cha Kyu-geun plans to announce his candidacy for the Supreme Council on July 6.
However, concerns about a lack of interest in the upcoming national convention have emerged as candidate registration concludes on July 7. The Justice Innovation Party's structure includes the party leader and floor leader serving on the Supreme Council, along with two elected and one appointed member.
Chairman Seo stated that he will wait to see the candidate registration results, expressing hope for vigorous discussions on the party's direction and tasks during the listening sessions across the four regions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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