By Reeturaj - Dec 27, 2024
South Korea's opposition lawmakers move to impeach Acting Leader Han Duck-soo following his refusal to appoint constitutional court judges nominated by the Democratic Party. Han's support of President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law attempt and vetoing of opposition-led bills have heightened political tensions. The impeachment motion, requiring 151 out of 300 parliamentary votes, is expected to pass with the DP's 170 seats and broader opposition's 192 seats. If impeached, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok could assume the role of acting leader amid the nation's political turmoil.
AFP via FMT
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South Korea's opposition lawmakers have initiated a motion to impeach Acting Leader Han Duck-soo, just two weeks after President Yoon Suk Yeol's own impeachment. The motion was filed after Han declined to appoint constitutional court judges nominated by the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP). This decision has sparked outrage among opposition lawmakers, with DP's floor leader Park Chan-dae criticizing Han as an "acting insurrectionist, not an acting president."
The opposition has further condemned Han for his role in supporting Yoon's martial law attempt on December 3, as well as for vetoing multiple opposition-led bills, including one that sought a special investigation into Yoon's martial law declaration. Although Han has apologized for his failure to prevent Yoon's martial law attempt, his actions have exacerbated the country's political tensions. The impeachment motion is expected to be voted on within the next 24 to 72 hours, requiring a majority of 151 out of 300 members of parliament (MPs) to pass. With the DP holding 170 seats and the broader opposition bloc totaling 192 seats, the motion has a strong chance of success.
Han's refusal to appoint the constitutional court judges is perceived as a significant factor behind the impeachment motion. These judges were nominated by the opposition-dominated National Assembly, and Han's choice not to appoint them has been criticized as an attempt to undermine the constitution. Park Chan-dae has expressed that it is evident Han is "neither qualified nor willing to defend the constitution."
The motion to impeach Han is the latest development in South Korea's ongoing political turmoil. With Yoon's impeachment trial currently underway, the nation's political landscape remains uncertain. Should Han be impeached, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would be next in line to assume the role of acting leader. The Seoul Constitutional Court is expected to conduct its first public hearing on Yoon's impeachment trial later this week, while protesters continue to demand Yoon's removal.
