Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min sharply criticized internal strife within the People Power Party and again drew a line against speculation that he will run for Gyeonggi governor in the June 3 local elections. He said the party is engaged in a "family feud," not checking the administration, and stressed that rebuilding the conservative camp is the top priority.
On the 15th, Yoo appeared on MBN's "Current Affairs Special" and said, "The party's current state is not normal," adding, "If we do not cross the river of impeachment and fight an election while the conservative camp remains divided, we are bound to be defeated across the board."
Regarding criticism that Chair Jang Dong-hyeok's move amounts to "purge politics" after the party's ethics committee expelled a string of figures from the pro-Han (pro–Han Dong-hoon) faction, he noted, "I do not see expulsion as warranted under any circumstance."
Yoo criticized, "The People Power Party's role is to curb the Lee Jae-myung administration's overreach and present alternatives, but it is heartbreaking to see it engaged in a family feud," adding, "When the ethics committee or the party audit committee degenerates into a tool to eliminate political rivals and carry out purges, it is evidence that healthy politics within the party has vanished."
He also expressed regret that Chair Jang Dong-hyeok did not attend the ruling–opposition leaders' meeting proposed by President Lee Jae-myung. He said, "I found it very frustrating," adding, "As the opposition leader, he should have said everything that needed to be said before the public."
On the possibility of an electoral alliance with the Reform Party, he assessed, "There is little justification, so I see it as very unlikely."
He again drew a line on whether he would run for Gyeonggi governor. Yoo said, "This is the third time I'm saying this, but I have no intention at all," adding, "My remaining political calling is how to rebuild the ruined conservative party and conservative politics."
Regarding his potential role in the local elections, he said, "With the party mired in infighting three months before the vote, we will have to see for now what role there might be."