Ahn Cheol-soo leaves the parliament buildig after a press conference [Namkung Jin-wung = timeid@ajunews.com]
A prominent South Korean opposition leader, Ahn Cheol-soo, has bolted from the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) to create a new party amid deepening factional infighting and flagging public support for the party.
Ahn’s supporters, including dozens of lawmakers, are likely to follow his footsteps soon, leaving the NPAD in total disarray ahead of the crucial parliamentary elections in April next year.
“I am leaving the New Politics Alliance for Democracy today,” Ahn said in a press conference Sunday morning. “I vow to create a political group that can win the next presidential election (in 2017). In order to do make this happen, I will do everything I can.”
NPAD Chairman Moon Jae-in made a last-minute visit to Ahn’s home late Saturday but failed to persuade him against leaving the party.
The software mogul-turned-politician co-founded the NPAD in March 2014 along with Democratic Party leader Kim Han-gill.
“The opposition party failed to achieve a change in power and political renovation,” Ahn said. “Public welfare has not improved, and the opposition party could not be prevented from falling into ‘the establishment.’”
Ahn did not disclose concrete plans for forming a new party or running the upcoming general election.
Earlier this month, Ahn demanded a party convention be held to elect a new leader for the main opposition, but incumbent leader Moon turned down the call. .
Moon told his aides on Sunday that he felt sorry and regretful that Ahn had left the party.
“This is the day I really don’t like politics,” Moon wrote in his Facebook account. “But I cannot give up.”
Ahn ran as a presidential contender in the 2012 presidential race but eventually dropped out to throw his endorsement behind Moon, who narrowly lost to President Park Geun-hye.
Political observers say Ahn may form an alliance with Chun Jung-bae, who is launching a new liberal political party by January.
By Alex Lee
아주경제 박세진 기자 = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
