Ahn Cheol-soo, Member of the National Assembly, Declares Fourth Presidential Run… "I am the Only Candidate Who Can Defeat Lee Jae-myung"

Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party officially announced his candidacy for the 21st presidential election.

On the morning of the 8th, Ahn held a candidacy announcement event at Gwanghwamun Square, pleading for support, saying, "Choose me, Ahn Cheol-soo, the only candidate who can surpass and win against Lee Jae-myung." He added, "The public is afraid that power will shift to the Democratic Party led by Lee Jae-myung."

Introducing himself as "the cleanest candidate, suitable for the advancement of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry and the resolution of the medical crisis," Ahn emphasized, "Please elect a candidate who can win and be elected."

He stated, "Now is the time for a change of era that restores the economy and daily life while eliminating the mistakes of the past," asserting that "We must adhere to the Constitution and laws this time, and achieve national unity that restores fairness and common sense."

Furthermore, he remarked, "There is only one way to cross the river of martial law and impeachment of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration: to actively pursue national integration based on reflection and innovation."

Ahn stated, "We can no longer entrust the future of South Korea to prosecutors and lawyers who look to the past," stressing the necessity for a leader who understands diverse citizens and can lead through unity, rather than someone with a worldview that divides people into good and evil.

Regarding the recently discussed constitutional amendment within political circles, he declared, "I will promote a grand constitutional amendment for national unity that reduces presidential powers and parliamentary privileges, and implement a four-year term with re-election and a major electoral district system."

In particular, Ahn pledged, "If we fail to make South Korea a top-three AI powerhouse, there will be no future for our nation," promising to implement a new five-year economic development plan akin to that of President Park Chung-hee for national investment.

He presented major pledges to resolve low birth rates through five reforms in pensions, education, labor, medical care, and public services, and to secure growth momentum through a three-axis innovation in diplomacy, security, and economic security.

Regarding the martial law situation under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, he expressed, "As someone who helped with unification to support President Yoon Seok-yeol, I sincerely reflect and apologize," adding, "We must move towards a 'promised future' of overcoming internal party conflicts with harmony, overcoming national conflicts with unity, and advancing beyond national chaos for progress."

Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo, a four-term member of the National Assembly, is making his fourth run for the presidency as a doctor and entrepreneur.

In 2012, he attempted to unify with the Democratic Party's candidate Moon Jae-in as an independent, but withdrew midway. In 2017, he ran as the candidate for the People’s Party, finishing third with 21.41% of the votes.

Most recently, in the 2022 presidential election, he unified with then-candidate Yoon Seok-yeol.

Image Source: Ahn Cheol-soo, Member of the National Assembly / News1