South Korea’s Parliament Impeaches Acting President Han amid Political Turmoil
South Korea is facing a deepening political crisis as the opposition-controlled parliament voted on Friday to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. Han had stepped into the role after President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached earlier this month.
In a historic move, the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion with 192 votes in favor out of the 300-member unicameral parliament. This marks the first time in South Korea’s modern history that an acting president has been impeached.
Opposition and Ruling Party at Odds
Before the vote, tensions were high as 108 lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party walked out in protest, chanting “Null and void” and “Resign, speaker.” The ruling party argued that 200 votes were required to impeach an acting president, citing the same threshold needed for a sitting president. However, the opposition parties contended that a simple majority of 151 votes sufficed since Han is a cabinet member.
What Happens Next
With Han’s duties suspended pending a constitutional court review, Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok will serve as acting president. The constitutional court has up to 180 days to deliberate the impeachment.
Han’s impeachment came after he refused to approve the appointment of three constitutional court justices needed for President Yoon’s impeachment trial. President Yoon was impeached on December 14 after being named a suspect in an insurrection investigation and declaring an emergency martial law on December 3, which the National Assembly swiftly revoked.
To permanently remove President Yoon from office, at least six out of nine constitutional court justices must uphold the impeachment motion.
A Nation in Uncertainty
This double impeachment has plunged South Korea into political uncertainty. Citizens and international observers alike are watching closely to see how these events will shape the nation’s future.
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South Korean parliament votes to impeach acting President Han
cgtn.com
