Translation result
News that Lee Jung-hyun, chair of the People Power Party’s nomination committee, tried to cut most incumbent senior lawmakers from the Daegu mayoral race has rattled local politics. Lee reversed his resignation and returned to the post, but if his plan is implemented, analysts warn the People Power Party could struggle to retain Daegu’s mayoralty.
On the 15th, political circles widely reported that Lee intended to cut all but the leading non-incumbent candidate and a few first-term lawmakers from the nine Daegu mayoral hopefuls. Critics say he was preparing to make veteran incumbents the victims of so-called nomination reform.
Daegu’s political character likely underpins that approach. Since the start of direct mayoral elections, conservative parties have consistently held the Daegu mayoralty, and the party nomination has effectively determined the winner.
But local observers warn that cutting many incumbents could make it harder for the People Power Party’s candidate to win. The next mayor will serve during a Democratic Party-led national government, so the role demands deep knowledge of local issues and strong networks with the central government.
Observers also say that if the People Power Party fields a weak candidate, the Democratic Party could quickly give a strategic nomination to former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum. Kim, who once represented Daegu in the National Assembly and has prior mayoral campaign experience, could present himself as a strong ruling-party contender, and pragmatic voters in conservative Daegu might choose him.
A local political source who has stayed with conservative parties for more than 20 years said residents are deeply disappointed in the current political leadership. \”What’s actually getting done — TK integration, the new TK airport? Nothing,\” he said, adding that many party members would rather back a ruling-party candidate to reap the benefits of a results-driven government, as seen in Busan.
Voices are growing for a fair primary with transparent rules to calm the unsettled public. Party members say the People Power Party should uphold conservative principles and nominate the most competitive candidate through an open, rules-based contest.
Most Commented