South Korea’s political landscape is heating up as the main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five minor parties have submitted a second impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol. The move comes after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
The first impeachment attempt was scrapped last Saturday when lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. However, the opposition is undeterred, planning to bring the motion to a plenary session of the National Assembly on Friday and put it to a vote at 5:00 p.m. local time on Saturday.
According to South Korea’s constitution, at least two-thirds of the 300 National Assembly members must vote in favor for the impeachment motion to pass. If successful, the constitutional court will have up to 180 days to deliberate, during which President Yoon’s powers would be suspended.
President Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. Defending his actions, Yoon stated that the martial law was intended to protect the nation against what he termed the "legislative dictatorship" of the majority opposition.
In a televised address, President Yoon insisted that his declaration was legal and that he was not attempting to undermine the constitution. "I will fight to the end," he vowed.
The upcoming impeachment vote may prove more challenging for President Yoon. In a surprising turn, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, has urged party members to support the impeachment motion.
The nation watches closely as Saturday approaches, with many wondering what the future holds for South Korea’s leadership.
Reference(s):
S. Korea's opposition parties submit bill to impeach President Yoon
cgtn.com
