South Korea’s opposition party moves to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, deepening the nation’s political crisis.
At a Glance
- Democratic Party plans to impeach acting leader Han Duck-soo
- Follows impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and declaration of martial law
- Opposition demands independent investigations into Yoon and his wife
- Han accused of blocking opposition bills and delaying court appointments
- Impeachment could further destabilize South Korea’s political landscape
Opposition Party Pushes for Impeachment
South Korea’s political landscape is in turmoil as the Democratic Party (DP), the main opposition faction, moves forward with plans to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. This dramatic step follows the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and his subsequent declaration of martial law, which has plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.
The DP’s decision to pursue Han’s impeachment stems from his alleged failure to comply with their demands for independent investigations into Yoon’s actions and allegations against his wife. The opposition party has accused Han of obstructing bills they support, particularly those calling for the appointment of special prosecutors to investigate the former president and his spouse.
South Korea’s main opposition party said it will start impeachment proceedings against Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo. https://t.co/5K33A6y3lT
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) December 24, 2024
Accusations and Legal Ambiguities
Democratic Party leader Park Chan-dae has been vocal in his criticism of Han, accusing him of being a puppet of the impeached president. The opposition claims that Han has vetoed several of their bills and delayed appointing justices to the Constitutional Court, which is currently reviewing Yoon’s impeachment.
“We’ve clearly warned that it’s totally up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he would go down in history as a disgraceful figure as a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol or a public servant that has faithfully carried out the orders by the public,” Park Chan-dae said.
The situation is further complicated by legal ambiguities surrounding the impeachment process for an acting president. The DP argues that a simple majority in parliament is sufficient to impeach Han, while the ruling People Power Party contends that a two-thirds majority is necessary. This disagreement adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile political climate.
Potential Consequences and Regional Concerns
The impeachment of Han, if successful, could exacerbate political instability in South Korea and raise concerns among neighboring countries. The prospect of further leadership changes in such a short period has the potential to create a power vacuum at a time when regional stability is paramount.
“Should it go through, the third in line is the finance minister, the deputy prime minister who would then take over. So all of this threatens to cause further instability and political vacuum,” Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reported.
The Constitutional Court now faces the daunting task of deciding Yoon’s fate within a six-month timeframe. If Yoon is removed from office, South Korea will be required to hold a national election, potentially ushering in a new era of political leadership amidst ongoing turmoil.
As South Korea grapples with this unprecedented political crisis, the eyes of the world remain fixed on the nation’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters and maintain its democratic institutions.
