Yoon Survives Impeachment But Korea's Crisis Far From Over

2024-12-07 03:15:24

(MENAFN- Asia Times) SEOUL – South Korea's National Assembly failed to gain the 200 votes needed to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his ruling party boycotted Saturday's (December 7) vote. But the country's sudden political crisis is far from over as opposition lawmakers have vowed to launch another impeachment bid in the days ahead.

Ruling People's Power Party representatives walked out of the legislative chamber ahead of today's impeachment vote, ending speculation party members might turn against Yoon over his shock decision to impose martial law this week, which he retracted after about six hours.

Yoon declared in a televised address on December 3 that he was imposing martial law to crush“pro-North Korean and anti-government forces.” Yoon then banned all National Assembly activities and deployed armed troops to arrest key opposition politicians and seize control of the legislature.

However, lawmakers defied the order and eventually convened to vote down the martial law order unanimously. Six opposition parties later submitted an impeachment motion against the president, calling the decree an illegal self-coup attempt.

The People's Power Party officially decided to oppose impeachment, though at least two of its lawmakers had declared they would vote against the party's line as of December 6.

Yoon's second unexpected national address, delivered a few hours before the impeachment ballot, consolidated the party's rank and file. In a short speech, Yoon said,“I am deeply regretful and I apologize to all South Koreans who were surprised by the martial law.”

“I will entrust my party with the rest of my term, and all the methods to stabilize the country. Going forward, our party and the government will take responsibility to advance together,” Yoon added, implying that he would delegate some of his presidential duties to the party.

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