Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister who declared his candidacy for the presidential election, tossed out the so-called "big tent for constitutional amendment" on the 2nd. This is aimed at keeping the door open for any political force that recognizes the need for constitutional revision to cooperate. His first public move was to visit the goshiwon (a small room) and the May 18th National Cemetery.
◇ “Anyone who supports constitutional amendment will cooperate with anyone”
After the declaration of his candidacy that morning, Han Duck-soo met with reporters and responded to a question about the possibility of unifying with candidates from the People Power Party by saying, “I will cooperate with anyone who supports constitutional amendment, and if necessary, I will also integrate and strive for it.”
His commitment to constitutional amendment was also evident in his announcement of candidacy. In about 15 minutes of prepared remarks, he mentioned "constitutional amendment" 14 times. Excluding the 25 mentions of "people," it was the most frequently mentioned word.
Han emphasized that he is the right person to accomplish a decentralized constitutional amendment based on the newly amended "constitution," proposing it as a solution under the premise of shortening his term. He stated that he would shorten the presidential term to three years, then step down after conducting both the presidential election and the general elections simultaneously.
Han pointed out, “Many governments and politicians have promised constitutional amendments in the past, but when their turn comes, they slyly change their attitudes according to the situation and their interests,” adding that “politicians who live for power cannot start or complete a constitutional amendment.”
◇ Uniting anti-Lee Jae-myung forces through constitutional amendment... promise of a "national unity cabinet"
In particular, Han promised to form the best and most effective cabinet, saying, “I will find the individuals who can do the best work and create a cabinet that works together.” This is seen as a significant move to unite anti-Lee Jae-myung forces through the constitutional amendment.
He stated, “I will invite each competing candidate to the national unity cabinet,” and added, “Appointments below the Vice Minister level will be thoroughly selected by the Deputy Minister and the Minister who will work closely with them.”
Additionally, Han expressed his intention to accept and implement any good policies proposed by the political community and the public, including the leader of the Democratic Party, showing his "flexibility."
◇ Emphasizing "walking together with the weak" during a visit to the goshiwon with Mayor Oh... “May 18 is a symbol of national unity”
Han Duck-soo, the former Prime Minister, visited the goshiwon in Jongno District, Seoul, as his first public schedule after declaring his candidacy for the presidential election. Mayor Oh Se-hoon of Seoul also accompanied him.
Wearing a white jacket, Han toured the community facilities with Mayor Oh and then moved to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Han asked Mayor Oh, regarding a future pledge, if it would be acceptable to incorporate more emphasis on protecting the vulnerable, to which Oh replied, “Of course.”
Mayor Oh noted, “While I may not run, I will make the policies I have prepared available for any candidate.” He added, “If any candidate needs detailed information to implement the policies the Seoul city government has been carrying out, I will provide it all. Getting ahead is key.”
Last year, Han collaborated with Mayor Oh to advance the early morning bus schedule for cleaning workers by 15 minutes. Han recalled, “There was a bus Route 146 running from Sanggye-dong to Seocho-dong,” and added, “People using it wished there was a bus that left just 15 minutes earlier, so I asked the mayor, and he gladly obliged.”
At the time, cleaning workers commuting to Seocho requested the first bus time be moved earlier, and it is reported that Han directly called Mayor Oh to make this request, which led to its realization.
Later, Han explained to reporters why he chose the goshiwon for his first public schedule as a presidential candidate, stating, “To achieve social integration, the most important thing is the basic attitude of walking together with the weak.” He noted, “Mayor Oh has done many things under the slogan of walking together with the weak. I thought that it should be expanded to a central government level and adopted as my pledge.”
Regarding the future direction of welfare policy, he emphasized the need for "selective welfare" rather than universal welfare. He stated, “If the approach is to give the same to everyone, it takes a lot of financial resources to have a practical effect.” He added, “The fundamental principle of welfare policy should be to support the disadvantaged while allowing them to use the support according to their preferences and choices.”
He continued, “There are policies where the values of conservatism and walking with the weak can harmonize together,” and expressed his intention to thoroughly review many policies developed by the Seoul city government and boldly adopt those that are good.
After visiting the goshiwon, Han will head to Gwangju to visit the National May 18th Cemetery.
He noted, “Gwangju is a region where we all share the painful experience of the May 18th democratic uprising,” stating, “I decided and prepared to go there on the first day of my candidacy declaration.”
He emphasized, “I believe the meaning of May 18th for national integration is significant. Many were sacrificed during the May 18th democratic uprising. It is essential that we first regard the will that says, 'Such events must never happen again,' and the emotional wounds of those who sacrificed.”