Political Stalemate in South Korea: Impeachment Motion Against Acting President Amidst Constitutional Court Crisis
In a politically charged environment in South Korea, the opposition party has moved to impeach Prime Minister and acting President Han Ducksoo due to his refusal to fill three critical vacancies in the Constitutional Court. This decision comes as the court prepares to deliberate on rebellion charges against the impeached President Yoon Sukyeol, stemming from his controversial martial law decree on December 3rd.
The absence of three justices has intensified the ongoing political paralysis, halting essential diplomatic engagements and unsettling financial markets. The opposition-controlled National Assembly has voiced its concerns by passing motions to urge the appointment of new justices. However, Prime Minister Han, in a televised statement, has maintained that he will not proceed with the appointments without bipartisan consent, citing the need for unity in a time of crisis.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik criticized Han's reluctance, describing it as an infringement on the Assembly's right to appoint judges. Meanwhile, Yoon's conservative People Power Party has argued against the exercise of presidential authority to fill these positions while Yoon is still in office, as he has not yet been formally removed through constitutional means.
The Democratic Party has accused the conservative faction of obstructing the judicial process to safeguard Yoon's presidency. Floor leader Park Chandae stated that Han lacks the necessary qualifications and willingness to uphold the Constitution. A potential vote on Han's impeachment could happen as early as Friday, highlighting the urgent pressure within the National Assembly.
The political instability escalated when President Yoon’s powers were suspended on December 14th after the National Assembly voted for his impeachment over allegations of an attempted power grab. Currently, the Constitutional Court, short three members, requires a minimum of six out of nine justices to validate Yoon's impeachment and formally end his presidency.
Han, serving as acting president, has defended his cautious approach, stating that an acting leader should prioritize stability rather than exercising significant powers, including judicial appointments. He emphasized that he would withhold these appointments until a consensus is reached between the ruling and opposition parties.
In addition to the court impasse, Han has faced criticism for his vetoes on agricultural bills and his refusal to allow investigations into Yoon as well as corruption allegations involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keonhee.
If Han is impeached, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sangmok would step into his role, although the legal framework for impeaching an acting president remains unclear. Generally, most officials can be removed from office with a simple majority, but the removal of a president requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
The Democratic Party, holding 170 out of the 300 seats, would need support from other parties to reach the necessary votes for Han's impeachment.
Meanwhile, Yoon has been evading law enforcement inquiries regarding the rebellion charges, including a recent summons and investigations from authorities into his actions during the martial law decree. His lawyer has defended his actions, claiming that the decree was a necessary measure to counter political infringement and should not be classified as rebellion.
The situation in South Korea reflects a deepening political crisis that threatens to undermine governance and judicial processes while raising concerns about the stability and integrity of democratic institutions in the country.
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