Six opposition parties in South Korea jointly submits impeachment motion to National Assembly
According to the latest news from Yonhap News Agency, six opposition parties in South Korea jointly submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol to the National Assembly at 2:40 pm local time (1:40 pm HKT) on the afternoon of Dec. 4. It is reported that the impeachment motion will be formally presented to the National Assembly tomorrow (Dec. 5), with voting expected to take place between the 6th and 7th of this month.
Previously, the spokesperson for the Democratic Party, Kang Yoo-jung, stated that due to the uncertainty of whether an emergency martial law would be declared again in the future, party members unanimously agreed that the initiation and voting process for the impeachment motion should be expedited.
Kang indicated that the earliest the motion could be put forward was the same day, with a report to the Assembly the following day. A vote would take place within 24 to 72 hours after the report to the full Assembly, meaning the earliest vote on the impeachment of Yoon could occur on Dec. 6.
If the impeachment motion passes in the National Assembly, it will be sent to the Constitutional Court of Korea for a final decision. If the Court rules in favor, President Yoon will be immediately suspended from office.
According to sources, prior to President Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3, a State Council meeting was held at the presidential office to discuss this decision. Most members present at the meeting expressed opposition, but Yoon ultimately insisted on declaring martial law.
Reports indicate that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and others received a notice to gather at the presidential office that evening, and about half of the State Council members arrived for a meeting at around 9 pm. Most of the members, including Han, were unaware that the martial law declaration would be discussed until they were at the meeting. During the meeting, the majority of State Council members, including Han, strongly opposed the declaration of martial law.
According to the Constitution of South Korea and the Martial Law Act, the declaration of martial law is within the president's authority, and the State Council can only deliberate on the declaration without voting. Therefore, despite the majority opposing it, the decision by Yoon could not be legally blocked.
Related News:
Watch This | S. Korean National Assembly closed to national defense employees, police
Comment