Seoul: The minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party announced its decision to accept the ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s proposal to form a preparation committee to discuss potential cooperation ahead of the June local elections, while postponing any merger talks until after the elections.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this decision followed an announcement by DP leader Jung Chung-rae, who stated that discussions regarding a merger would be put on hold until after the June 3 local elections. Instead, a committee would be established to enhance cooperation efforts. Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, confirmed acceptance of the proposal during an emergency press conference held at the National Assembly.
The Rebuilding Korea Party plans to convene a party affairs committee within the week to ratify this decision. Cho emphasized the need for clarity in discussions with the ruling party to determine if the proposed "solidarity" signifies a coalition ahead of the elections or if it is largely symbolic in nature.
Jung had previously introduced the merger idea late last month, suggesting it would expand the party's political base in preparation for the local elections. However, this proposal faced significant backlash within the party concerning both the timing and the scope of the merger, leading Jung to retract the plan and issue an apology to the minor party.
Cho acknowledged the apology but expressed that party members were hurt by the negative remarks directed at their party, emphasizing that such incidents should not occur again. During a meeting of the DP's Supreme Council, Jung urged party members to concentrate on achieving success in the upcoming elections and to refrain from investing energy into the merger proposal.
Observers suggest that the suspension of the merger talks could impact Jung's leadership, as the push for the merger revealed significant factional divisions within the party.