Updated
South Korean president faces impeachment vote as defence minister offers to resign
Six South Korean opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, have submitted a bill to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, Yonhap News Agency reported. The move follows widespread backlash over Yoon’s brief martial law decree. The bill will be presented to the National Assembly on Thursday, with a vote expected by the weekend.
Under South Korea’s constitution, impeachment requires a parliamentary majority and two-thirds approval, followed by review by the Constitutional Court. If accepted, Yoon would be suspended from duties until a final ruling is made.
Earlier:
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, pledging to dismantle “anti-state” forces amid escalating tensions with an opposition-controlled parliament, which he accuses of aligning with communist North Korea.
Within three hours, parliament voted to annul the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik deeming it “invalid” and affirming lawmakers’ commitment to safeguarding democracy alongside the public.
Yoon’s unexpected move, reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian era of the 1980s, drew swift condemnation from the opposition and even members of his own party.
Following Woo’s call for the withdrawal of forces, police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly’s premises. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the majority liberal Democratic Party, announced that his party’s lawmakers would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon officially revokes the order.
via AP
