The Democratic Party is set to hold its convention on the 17th, and during a joint speech in Chungnam on the 1st, candidate Kim Min-seok emphasized 'election victory,' candidate Jung Cheong-rae focused on 'reform,' and candidate Song Young-gil highlighted 'legitimacy.' This event marks the first schedule of the party's tour primaries.
At the joint speech held at the Chungcheongnam-do Traffic Training Center, Kim urged supporters, saying, "Please ensure that all party members vote to fully realize the meaning of party sovereignty until the last day of the one-person, one-vote system."
He continued, "President Lee Jae-myung declared an irreplaceable South Korea, but we are shaking at this historical turning point. The party and government are at odds, causing turmoil in the stock market, and if this continues, South Korea's golden age will also be at risk."
Kim questioned, "Should the historical mission of the Lee Jae-myung government, which is to create a golden age, be shaken just one year into its term? The ongoing conflict is hell for the Democratic Party, and we must close the gates of hell." He also promised to transform the party into a more responsive organization by proposing legislative tasks before government meetings conclude, vowing to broadcast party reports live.
He asserted, "My electoral capabilities have already been proven. Based on my experience leading victories in the general elections, local elections, and presidential elections, I will surely revive a competent, strong, and winning Democratic Party created by President Lee." He plans to raise the party's approval rating by over 10% within three months of being elected.
Candidate Jung stated, "I will achieve internal integration within the party and unite supporters of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung. We must unite as we are all from the same root."
He also promised to realize integration and solidarity within the broader democratic progressive camp, saying, "We have won when united and lost when divided. We will unite to win the general elections and collaborate to secure victory in the presidential elections."
Jung emphasized reform, stating, "The identity of the Democratic Party is reform. The party has won through reform and has faced rejection from the public when it has failed." He highlighted his achievements during his tenure as party leader, including the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the Public Prosecution Service Act, the expansion of Supreme Court justices, and the constitutional complaint system. He vowed to protect the one-person, one-vote system until the end.
Candidate Song declared, "We must resolutely protect the Lee Jae-myung government," expressing his pain upon hearing the phrase, 'The regime is short, but the people are eternal.' He questioned, "How did we create the Lee Jae-myung government?" referring to criticisms of Jung's past actions as party leader.
Additionally, Song highlighted his deep ties to the party, stating, "I was recruited by former President Kim at a young age and became a member of the National Assembly at 37. I served as a secretary to former President Roh and worked as the head of the overall election campaign for former President Moon, as well as the standing committee chair for President Lee. I am the true root and legitimacy of the Democratic Party, and I will ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung government."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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