South Korean Parliament Impeaches President

• 14.12.2024, 11:42

The impeachment was supported by 204 of the 300 members of the National Assembly.

The South Korean parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, who made an unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law in the country last week. This was reported by the local news agency Yonhap.

The impeachment was supported by 204 of the 300 members of the National Assembly. 85 members of parliament voted against, three more abstained from voting, and eight votes were declared invalid.

The impeachment required the support of at least two-thirds of the deputies. However, the six opposition parties that launched the procedure have only 192 seats, so they needed to secure the support of at least eight members of the ruling People's Power Party.

Recall that Yoon Suk Yeol became president of South Korea in May 2022. In the parliamentary elections held in April 2024, the opposition won, retaining control of the legislature.

South Korea is a presidential republic. The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the republic and has significant executive powers. Thus, the president appoints the prime minister with the approval of the National Assembly, and also appoints and heads the State Council, the country's main executive body.

Yun Seok-yul introduced martial law in South Korea on December 3. It was in effect in the country for several hours - but it was quickly blocked by parliament. On December 8, Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun was arrested.