Jeong Cheong-rae: "We can no longer waste energy on merger disputes"

[Financial News] Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 11th called for an end to wasteful internal disputes over a merger with the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, saying the party must focus on the upcoming local elections.
At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Jeong said, "From now on, let us do only what helps us win the local elections," adding, "We can no longer afford to drain our strength over controversies about a merger."
The previous day, Jeong had decided to postpone discussions on a merger with the Innovation Party until after the local elections.
He went on, "I would like to apologize to our party members, who are the true owners of this party, for not being able to carry out a vote of all members on the merger," and pledged, "The leadership will be more united and set a better example."
He also stressed that, since the merger talks have been put off, the party will now pour all its energy into winning the local elections.
Jeong said, "There is a saying that after the rain, the ground hardens. We will turn this into an opportunity in disguise and go all in on winning the local elections," adding, "Our timetable to complete all nominations by April 20 has proceeded without the slightest deviation, and it will continue to do so."
He continued, "There will be no unfair cutoffs (exclusions from nomination)," and promised, "As pledged, we will fully guarantee the participation of dues-paying party members in the nomination process and select the most competitive candidates through democratic procedures."

gowell@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter