Oh Se-hoon: To win the local elections, we must practice 'abstinence'... the centrist group does not like the direction of the ruling party
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged the ruling People Power Party leadership to adopt a more centrist approach ahead of the June local elections, indicating concerns over their current stance.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has emphasized the need for the ruling People Power Party to adopt a more centrist approach to secure victory in the upcoming local elections in June. In an interview, he pointed out that many individuals surrounding party leader Jang Dong-hyuk have previously made statements that appear to endorse a militarized stance, which could alienate potential centrist voters. Oh expressed that if the party continues on its current path, which he described as leaning towards a hardline stance, the elections could be quite challenging. He stressed the importance of attracting moderate voters who are currently dissatisfied with the party's direction.
Moreover, Mayor Oh expressed frustration with the party's current leadership dynamics, citing a need for solidarity within the party ranks as they prepare for elections. He mentioned that a significant number of local government figures affiliated with the party are anxious about the electoral outcome, urging the leadership to pivot towards a more agreeable stance for the upcoming elections. Oh pleaded with the party to carefully consider his urgent call for change and to take into account the concerns of thousands of party members who wish for a more unifying approach.
In light of recent disciplinary actions against party members, including the suspension of Representative Bae Hyun-jin, Oh criticized the leadership for fostering a culture of exclusion rather than inclusivity, which he believes is vital for success in the elections. He urged the party's leadership to reconsider disciplinary decisions and to create a more collaborative environment that resonates with voters, reiterating that unity and collective effort are the expectations of the electorate looking towards the future.