South Korea’s opposition accused the ruling party of a “second strike” for blocking the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his attempt to implement martial law. Yoon’s six-hour measure to end civilian rule was revoked in parliament. Investigations into the insurrection are ongoing, but the impeachment trial failed due to resistance from the ruling party.
South Korea’s opposition on Monday accused the ruling party of striking a “second blow” by clinging to power and refusing to remove the president. Yoon Suk Yeol for his declaration of martial law.
Yoon plunged the country into political chaos with his attempt to end civilian rule, which lasted just six hours after lawmakers scuffled with soldiers in the parliament building and managed to reject the measure, forcing Yoon to make a shameful U-turn.
The president and a host of senior officials are now being investigated for insurrection, but an attempt to remove Yoon failed on Saturday after a boycott by the ruling party, which claims the wildly unpopular leader agreed to hand over power to the prime minister and to the head of the party.
“This is an illegal and unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” Democratic Party leader Park Chan-dae said, urging the ruling party to “stop it immediately.”
Under South Korea’s constitution, the president remains head of government and commander-in-chief of the military unless he is incapacitated, resigns or resigns.
In that case, power would pass to the prime minister on an interim basis, until elections could be held.
“His attitude of placing himself above the Constitution reflects that of the insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” he added.
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