ID :
205609
Tue, 09/06/2011 - 19:33
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/205609
The shortlink copeid
Progressive organizations, political parties launch opposition unity group
Progressive organizations, political parties launch opposition unity group
SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Yonhap) -- Progressive civic organizations and liberal political parties launched an action group Tuesday that seeks to unify the opposition bloc ahead of key elections slated for next month and 2012.
Leading opposition figures such as Moon Jae-in, an aide to late President Roh Moo-hyun, former prime ministers Lee Hae-chan and Han Myeong-sook, and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) chief Sohn Hak-kyu were present for the official launch of the political movement.
They claimed that gains made in the past to transform South Korea into a full-fledged democracy have suffered setbacks in recent years, and that the freedom and liberty of the people have been compromised.
Critics of the incumbent government and the conservative Grand National Party said that in order for progressives to take back power, they must strive for innovation and unity.
South Korea is gearing up for the October by-election to pick the mayor of Seoul and will hold a general and presidential elections next year to select lawmakers and the country's next chief executive.
"The people want a political force that can provide a bright vision of the future and a viable alternative to present circumstances," organizers for the gathering said.
They pointed out that only through consolidation can the progressive bloc gain power in 2013 and open a new chapter for a peaceful and welfare-focused South Korea.
As part of this effort to unify the opposition and progressive factions, members of the new action group called for a unified political party and stressed the need to outline innovative policies to win popular support as well as building support at the grass roots level. They also called for closer dialogue with the people.
DP chief Sohn said in the keynote address that the main opposition party will be the center of future unity and stressed he can make sacrifices for the good of the progressive movement.
He also said that the decision by Ahn Cheol-soo, the founder of South Korea's best known anti-virus firm, to not run for Seoul mayor and his support of lawyer-turned-human rights activist Park Won-soon was a laudable act and showed hope for the liberal camp.
The party has said that it will pick its mayoral candidate through an open, national nomination process that includes polling and getting input from both party members and ordinary citizens.
Moon Jae-in also stressed the importance of creating an single democratic progressive party that can effectively tackle important national issues.
The former presidential chief-of-staff and lawyer, who is considered the front-runner in the opposition camp to compete in next year's presidential race, added that, before a unified party in set up, existing parties need to form a joint parliamentary group. That group can then help to pass reformist bills which can make differences in the lives of people.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Yonhap) -- Progressive civic organizations and liberal political parties launched an action group Tuesday that seeks to unify the opposition bloc ahead of key elections slated for next month and 2012.
Leading opposition figures such as Moon Jae-in, an aide to late President Roh Moo-hyun, former prime ministers Lee Hae-chan and Han Myeong-sook, and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) chief Sohn Hak-kyu were present for the official launch of the political movement.
They claimed that gains made in the past to transform South Korea into a full-fledged democracy have suffered setbacks in recent years, and that the freedom and liberty of the people have been compromised.
Critics of the incumbent government and the conservative Grand National Party said that in order for progressives to take back power, they must strive for innovation and unity.
South Korea is gearing up for the October by-election to pick the mayor of Seoul and will hold a general and presidential elections next year to select lawmakers and the country's next chief executive.
"The people want a political force that can provide a bright vision of the future and a viable alternative to present circumstances," organizers for the gathering said.
They pointed out that only through consolidation can the progressive bloc gain power in 2013 and open a new chapter for a peaceful and welfare-focused South Korea.
As part of this effort to unify the opposition and progressive factions, members of the new action group called for a unified political party and stressed the need to outline innovative policies to win popular support as well as building support at the grass roots level. They also called for closer dialogue with the people.
DP chief Sohn said in the keynote address that the main opposition party will be the center of future unity and stressed he can make sacrifices for the good of the progressive movement.
He also said that the decision by Ahn Cheol-soo, the founder of South Korea's best known anti-virus firm, to not run for Seoul mayor and his support of lawyer-turned-human rights activist Park Won-soon was a laudable act and showed hope for the liberal camp.
The party has said that it will pick its mayoral candidate through an open, national nomination process that includes polling and getting input from both party members and ordinary citizens.
Moon Jae-in also stressed the importance of creating an single democratic progressive party that can effectively tackle important national issues.
The former presidential chief-of-staff and lawyer, who is considered the front-runner in the opposition camp to compete in next year's presidential race, added that, before a unified party in set up, existing parties need to form a joint parliamentary group. That group can then help to pass reformist bills which can make differences in the lives of people.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
