The Democratic Party is set to hold its party convention on the 17th, and during a joint rally in Chungnam on the 1st, candidate Kim Min-seok emphasized 'electoral victory,' candidate Jung Cheong-rae focused on 'reform,' and candidate Song Young-gil highlighted 'legitimacy.' This rally marks the first event in the party's touring primaries.
At the joint rally held at the Chungcheongnam-do Traffic Training Center, Kim urged supporters to ensure 100% participation in voting, stating, "Please help realize the full meaning of party member sovereignty through one person, one vote until the last day."
He continued, "President Lee Jae-myung declared that he would create an irreplaceable South Korea, but we are shaking at this historical turning point. The government and party are at odds, causing market instability, and if this continues, it will shake the golden age of South Korea."
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 the government meetings conclude, pledging to broadcast party reports live.
He asserted, "My electoral capabilities have already been verified. 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, aiming to raise the party's approval rating by over 10% within three months of my election."
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 we united and lost when we divided. We will unite to win the general elections and collaborate to secure victory in the presidential elections."
Jung emphasized the importance of 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. During my tenure as party leader, I achieved the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the Public Prosecution Service Act, the expansion of Supreme Court justices, and the constitutional complaint system. I created the one person, one vote system and will defend it to 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?" in response to Jung's criticism of past actions during his leadership.
Additionally, Song highlighted his deep roots in 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, worked as the head of the overall campaign for former President Moon, and served as the permanent campaign 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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