Yoon Prepares to Address the Nation Before Impeachment Vote
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Seoul, Dec 7 (NationPress) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is preparing to make a public address on Saturday to clarify his position regarding his martial law declaration, as stated by his office.
This address precedes a crucial vote in the National Assembly concerning an impeachment motion against the President, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
On Friday, Yoon held discussions with the leadership of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to strategize on how to manage the consequences stemming from his brief declaration of martial law on Tuesday.
Lawmakers are set to cast their votes on the main opposition Democratic Party's motion to impeach Yoon, who startled the nation on Tuesday when he granted the military extensive emergency powers to eliminate what he termed “anti-state forces” and deal with obstructive political adversaries.
Some members of the PPP have suggested that Yoon should resign prior to the vote, expressing their desire to avoid a situation similar to the 2016 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who resigned after months of protests due to a scandal involving influence peddling. Her removal led to significant turmoil within the party and paved the way for liberal victories in subsequent presidential and general elections.
In a scene echoing those protests, thousands of candle-holding demonstrators gathered outside parliament on Friday night, demanding Yoon's impeachment.
More protests are anticipated on Saturday leading up to the vote.
Authorities including prosecutors, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have initiated inquiries into Yoon and senior officials linked to the martial law decree, aiming to investigate allegations of insurrection and abuse of power, among other charges.
