Last update - 00:00 30/12/2007
MK Zahava Gal-On launches Meretz leadership bid
By Mazal Mualem, Haaretz Correspondent
Meretz faction whip MK Zahava Gal-On launched on Sunday her bid to become the party's next leader.
She launched her campaign by sending fellow party members a video entitled "public apology," in which she explains why she refuses to apologize for "telling people what they need to hear and not what they want to hear."
Gal-On said that if Meretz wants to remain politically viable it must reinvent itself and promote a civilian agenda, which encompasses human rights and civil liberties.
Gal-On said that Meretz could not afford to complacently observe the proliferation of its long-time positions among other parties, and it must work to cement the principles of democracy and equality in Israeli society.
Gal-On has recently protested what she saw as the party's loss of direction, which led, she believes, to its poor election results. She said that if she becomes the next leader she will emphasize Meretz's distinctive agenda.
Gal-On will run against MK Haim Oron, who according to polls is the frontrunner, and MK Ran Cohen. The incumbent leader Yossi Beilin has said he would not stand for re-election.
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