South Korea: Opposition's Impeachment Motion for Finance Minister Submitted to National Assembly
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 2, 2023, an impeachment motion against South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok was submitted to the National Assembly, coinciding with the impending Constitutional Court decision on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. The motion was led by the opposition Democratic Party, alleging delayed judicial appointments and political maneuvering.
Key Takeaways
- Impeachment motion against Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok submitted.
- Motion led by the Democratic Party (DP).
- Choi accused of delaying a ninth justice appointment.
- National Assembly required to vote within 24-72 hours.
- Constitutional Court ruling on President Yoon's impeachment expected soon.
Seoul, April 2 (NationPress) An impeachment motion targeting South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok was presented to the plenary session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, merely two days ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This motion, spearheaded by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), alleges that Choi, who previously served as acting president, delayed the appointment of a ninth justice to the Constitutional Court, among various other accusations.
In late December, Choi appointed two justices to the nine-member panel but refrained from appointing the opposition's recommended candidate, Justice Ma Eun-hyuk, citing the necessity for a bipartisan agreement.
The Democratic Party exerted pressure on Choi to nominate the left-leaning justice candidate to enhance the chances of Yoon's impeachment, which requires the approval of at least six justices to be upheld. At present, there are eight justices on the court.
According to the law, the National Assembly is obligated to vote on the impeachment motion within 24 to 72 hours after its presentation to a plenary session, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
It is still uncertain when the vote will occur, given that the court is scheduled to determine Yoon's fate—either removal from office or reinstatement—on Friday.
Earlier today, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung expressed that he anticipates a 'reasonable' verdict from the Constitutional Court regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.
Lee, representing the main opposition Democratic Party, made this statement as the court is poised to announce its decision on Yoon's potential removal or reinstatement on Friday.
"We, alongside the public, await the Constitutional Court's reasonable conclusion based on constitutional ideals, responsibilities entrusted by the populace, and a sense of historical mission," Lee remarked during a party meeting held in a protest tent in downtown Seoul.
Lee referred to the court as the "highest and final bastion" of constitutional order, emphasizing its vital role in upholding the nation's democracy.
The South Korean Constitutional Court has stated it will announce its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment at 11 a.m. on Friday, raising hopes for a resolution to the political unrest that has enveloped the nation since his brief imposition of martial law in December.
The verdict will be broadcast live, with public attendance permitted, according to a notice issued to the media on Tuesday.
