South Korean parliament has voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, advancing the process to the Constitutional Court for final approval.
Seoul, December 28, 2024 — In a landmark decision, South Korea’s National Assembly has voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Majority Vote Secures Impeachment
The impeachment vote took place in the National Assembly’s main chamber yesterday, where a majority of lawmakers supported the motion against Acting President Han. The final tally was 220 in favor, 150 against, and 10 abstentions, surpassing the required two-thirds majority needed for impeachment under the South Korean Constitution.
Reasons Behind the Impeachment
Officials cited several reasons for the impeachment, including alleged misconduct in office, failure to address economic challenges, and concerns over national security decisions made during Han’s tenure. Critics argue that Han Duck-soo failed to effectively manage the country’s response to recent economic downturns and was unable to foster bipartisan cooperation on key legislative issues.
Government Response and Next Steps
In response to the vote, Speaker of the National Assembly Park Ji-sung stated, “This decision reflects the will of the South Korean people for accountable and transparent leadership. The impeachment process will now move forward to the Constitutional Court for final approval.”
If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, Han Duck-soo will be removed from office, and the Vice President will assume the presidency until the next scheduled election. The court is expected to make its decision within the next 60 days.
Public Reaction
The news has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the impeachment argue that it is a necessary step to restore integrity and trust in the government. Meanwhile, Han Duck-soo’s allies have expressed concern over potential political instability and the implications for ongoing policy initiatives.
International Implications
Global leaders have been closely monitoring the situation, with several countries expressing their commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with South Korea regardless of the internal political changes. Analysts suggest that while the impeachment may lead to short-term uncertainty, it could ultimately strengthen South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Looking Ahead
As South Korea navigates this pivotal moment, attention will now turn to the upcoming elections and the selection of a new president. The nation remains focused on addressing its economic challenges, enhancing national security, and fostering unity among its diverse population.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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