People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok brought up "self-strengthening" once again at the first press briefing of the new year. He stressed that he would first remove the "obstacles" that block unity within the party.
On the afternoon of the 2nd at the National Assembly, Jang held a press briefing on current issues and said, "Rather than concluding that alliances or unity are necessary given the current situation, I think it is right for now to put more effort into strengthening the People Power Party."
He added, "There may be obstacles that block unity and alliances. We need to think hard about how to resolve and remove those obstacles," and said, "If there is someone who bears responsibility to remove those obstacles (in achieving party unity), that person should first remove them so the party leader has room to achieve unity within the party."
Jang also said, "The party leader is not a position that moves or decides based on personal feelings. When it comes to making decisions, the will of party members is very important," adding, "Regardless of the will of party members, the party leader cannot casually talk about alliances or unity based on personal judgment."
He continued, "If, in that process, problems are not resolved and alliances or unity are pushed ahead in a perfunctory way, that could actually sap the party's energy," and said, "As for reform plans, I can tell you we are giving final thought to the place, timing, and methods."
Former President Lee Myung-bak met Jang that day and said, "Becoming a reactionary conservative is regression," while Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also said the previous day, "It is time for the party to sever all ties with martial law. We have endured as much as we can." Even in the conservative camp, voices called for change, but Jang still put self-strengthening first. Earlier, at a year-end press briefing on the 28th, Jang put forward "self-strengthening first, unity later."
Jang said, "It is regrettable that we keep bringing up past issues within the party," adding, "Continuing to demand my position on martial law can only be seen as having another political motive."
He went on to say, "For victory in this local election, we will attempt a bold overhaul of nominations with new figures," and added, "What we need now is a bold renewal that goes beyond the public's imagination."