A person pushes an effigy in a cage during a rally calling for the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law, which was reversed hours later, in Seoul, South Korea, December 12, 2024. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

South Korean Opposition parties submit a new motion to impeach President Yoon over martial law

The parties say they aim put the motion to a floor vote on Saturday

by · The Hindu

South Korea’s Parliament says the country’s six opposition parties have submitted a new joint motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law.

The National Assembly said the main Opposition Democratic Party and five smaller Opposition parties submitted the impeachment motion on Thursday (December 12, 2024) afternoon.

The parties say they aim put the motion to a floor vote on Saturday (December 14, 2024).

Mr. Yoon’s short-lived Dec. 3 martial law declaration has triggered political chaos and large protests calling for his ouster. The Democratic Party has argued that Mr. Yoon’s decree amounted to rebellion.

Earlier Thursday, Mr. Yoon defended his decree as an act of governance and denied rebellion charges.

If Mr. Yoon is impeached, his presidential powers would be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office or restore his powers. If he is dismissed, a new presidential election would be required within 60 days.

Published - December 12, 2024 03:02 pm IST