SOUTH KOREA HAVE PUT FORWARD A MOTION TO IMPEACH PRESIDENT YOON – After failed martial law declared in South Korea
In a national address, South Korean President Yoon said “I have accepted the decision made by the National Assembly to dissolve and lift the martial law.”
MPs, including members of his own ruling party, voted to block the declaration as protesters clashed with soldiers and police after the martial law ruling, this ruling has prompted widespread international concern.
Martial law, if enacted, allows the government to rule by the military and is usually invoked in times of war, rebellion or natural disaster.
When martial law is in effect, the military commander has unlimited authority to make and enforce laws.
MPs from South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party called on President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been in office since 2022, to resign or face impeachment over the martial law declaration, the first in South Korea since 1980.
Democratic Party’s Floor Leader Park Chan-dae said “Even if martial law is lifted, he cannot avoid treason charges. It was clearly revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down.”
The National Assembly can impeach the president if more than two-thirds of MPs vote for it. A trial is then held by the constitutional court, which can confirm it with a vote by six of the nine justices.
