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South Korean lawmakers have called for impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok Yeol, after that declared martial law and retreated a few hours latertriggering the biggest political crisis
South Korean lawmakers have called for impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok Yeol, after that declared martial law and retreated a few hours latertriggering the biggest political crisis in Asia’s fourth-largest economy in decades.
The surprise announcement late Tuesday sparked a clash with parliament, which rejected his attempt to ban political activity and censor the media.
At one point, lawmakers used fire extinguishers to prevent troops from entering parliament.
A coalition of opposition lawmakers said it plans to propose a bill on Wednesday to begin Yun’s impeachment trial, with a vote on it to be held within 72 hours.
“Parliament should focus on immediately suspending the president to pass the impeachment bill as soon as possible,” Hwang Un-ha, one of the coalition lawmakers, told reporters.
Yoon told the nation in a televised address that martial law was necessary to protect the country from a nuclear North Korea and pro-North Korean anti-state forces and to protect its free constitutional order, although he did not name specific threats. .
Hours later, the South Korean parliament, with 190 of its 300 members in attendance, unanimously passed a motion demanding the end of martial law, including 18 Yun’s party members present.
Then the president canceled the declaration.
Protesters shouted and cheered at the doors of the National Assembly. “We won,” they chanted, as one protester beat a drum.
South Korea’s largest labor coalition, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, said thousands of its members would strike until Yoon resigns and later hold a rally in central Seoul.
More protests are expected, including outside the National Assembly, where thousands gathered late Tuesday to call for Yoon’s order to be blocked and then to demand his arrest and resignation.
Following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, the South Korean military said that parliament and political parties would be banned, and media and publishing houses would be under the control of martial law command.
Helmeted troops briefly attempted to enter Parliament House. MP aides were seen trying to push the soldiers back by spraying fire extinguishers on them.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Party, called on Yoon, in power since 2022, to resign or face impeachment over the declaration of martial law, South Korea’s first since 1980.
“Even if he lifts martial law, he will not be able to avoid charges of treason. It became clear to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer lead the country normally. He should resign,” said Park Chang-dae, a DP lawmaker.
The National Assembly can initiate impeachment proceedings against the president if more than two-thirds of lawmakers vote in favor of him. There is then a trial before the Constitutional Court, which can confirm it by the votes of six of the nine judges.
Yoon’s party controls 108 seats in the 300-member legislature. (Reuters)
Source: Aristegui Noticias
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
