South Korea: Ruling Party Leader Refutes Resignation Speculation Surrounding Yoon Ahead of Impeachment Decision
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Synopsis
In a recent debate, South Korea's ruling party leader dismissed claims that President Yoon Suk Yeol might resign before an impeachment ruling, insisting such action would not resolve ongoing issues. The Constitutional Court is set to make a decision following the National Assembly's impeachment vote.
Key Takeaways
- The ruling party leader dismissed resignation rumors.
- Yoon's martial law declaration was deemed a mistake.
- The Constitutional Court will decide on impeachment.
- A survey shows a majority support for impeachment.
- Political tensions are high amid the impeachment process.
Seoul, Feb 17 (NationPress) The acting head of the ruling People Power Party in South Korea on Monday dismissed rumors that President Yoon Suk Yeol might choose to resign before the verdict on his impeachment trial, labeling such an action as unrealistic and inappropriate.
Kwon Young-se made these statements during a debate hosted by the Kwanhun Club, a prestigious group of senior journalists, when questioned about the likelihood of Yoon voluntarily stepping down amid apprehensions that his impeachment ruling could incite unrest among political factions.
"I do not believe his resignation would necessarily address these issues, regardless of its legal and constitutional feasibility," he asserted. "It is simply not the right thing to do."
Kwon emphasized that the decision regarding Yoon's resignation rests entirely with him and is not influenced by his legal representatives, who had recently hinted at a potential major decision.
"This option is not being realistically considered, and even if it were, it would not be the correct path forward," he stated.
Regarding Yoon's December 3 declaration of martial law, Kwon acknowledged that it was a clear mistake and an excessive measure.
The Constitutional Court is set to determine whether Yoon will be formally removed from office or reinstated after the Opposition-dominated Parliament voted to impeach him, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Recently, a survey revealed that nearly 60% of South Koreans backed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his brief martial law declaration. The Constitutional Court seems to be nearing a decision on his formal removal or reinstatement.
The Gallup survey, which involved 1,004 adults over the age of 18 conducted from Tuesday to Thursday, indicated that 57% of respondents supported Yoon's impeachment, a slight decrease of 2 percentage points from the previous week.
Participants cited Yoon's martial law enforcement, constitutional violations, and insurrection as their reasons for supporting impeachment.
Meanwhile, 38% of those surveyed opposed the impeachment.
The National Assembly had voted to impeach Yoon following his surprising, albeit brief, martial law declaration on December 3. He is facing charges related to leading an insurrection and has been arrested.
Additionally, Yoon is alleged to have deployed military forces to the National Assembly to hinder lawmakers from voting against the martial law declaration and to have plotted the arrest of key political figures.
