South Korean National Assembly Votes to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol
SEOUL, Dec 14 (Bernama-Yonhap) – The South Korean National Assembly has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched imposition of martial law.
Impeachment Resolution
The impeachment motion against Yoon passed with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, and three abstentions. The motion was introduced by the main opposition Democratic Party and five other minor opposition parties, accusing Yoon of violating the Constitution and other laws by declaring martial law on December 3.
Martial Law Declaration
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, but it was lifted six hours later after the Assembly voted to repeal it. The second motion was revised from the first motion to remove some charges against Yoon but add others, including allegations that Yoon ordered troops and the police to arrest lawmakers while martial law was in force.
Constitutional Court Review
The motion will now be sent to the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him from office, according to Yonhap.
Acting President
Yoon will be suspended from his duties as soon as the impeachment resolution is delivered to his office, while Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president.
Historic Impeachment
If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will become the second president to be ousted after former President Park Geun-hye in 2017.
Party Line
Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) decided shortly before the proceeding to take part in the vote but oppose impeachment. The result showed 12 PPP lawmakers broke from their party line to vote in favor of impeachment.
Two-Thirds Majority
A two-thirds majority was required to approve the motion, with the opposition bloc accounting for 192 of the 300 members of parliament.
First Attempt
The first attempt to impeach Yoon last Saturday failed after nearly all PPP lawmakers boycotted the vote.
Conclusion
The impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol marks a significant turning point in South Korean politics. The Constitutional Court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape.
FAQs
Q: Why was President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached?
A: President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for his botched imposition of martial law, which was declared on December 3 but lifted six hours later.
Q: What is the next step in the impeachment process?
A: The motion will now be sent to the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him from office.
Q: Who will serve as acting president if Yoon is impeached?
A: Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president if Yoon is impeached.
Q: Is this the first time a South Korean president has been impeached?
A: No, former President Park Geun-hye was also impeached in 2017.