The South Korean parliament voted to impeach President Jung Suk-jeol. The request came after martial law was imposed for six hours. Protesters gathered outside the parliament building in Seoul and other major cities.
Six opposition parties have filed a motion for impeachment against South Korean President Jung Suk-jeol.
After 16:30 (8:30 Polish time) the parliament started voting on the impeachment of the head of state. After 17:00 (Polish time), the parliament voted to impeach the president. 204 deputies supported this proposal.
At least eight votes were needed for the impeachment of the opposition parties from the People's Democratic Party. Before voting, they received 192 votes out of 300. A motion of impeachment requires a two-thirds majority.
SEE ALSO: He imposed martial law and explains why. “I will not give up”
South Korea's president declared martial law on December 3, which he canceled six hours later under pressure from the National Assembly. Jun Suk-jeol is the first South Korean president to be banned from leaving the country. This measure was implemented after he was investigated for the following charges: coup and abuse of power.
Last Saturday, after the representatives of the ruling People's Democratic Party boycotted the vote on the proposal of the opposition by leaving the meeting hall, the president refused to be impeached.
A portrait of South Korea's president at a protest outside parliament in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
As a result of the impeachment decision, Jun will lose power, but will remain in office until the Constitutional Court removes him from office or reinstates him. If the tribunal decides whether Jun steps down as president or resigns himself, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. Then the Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Dak-soo, served as the head of state. “The whole process could take weeks,” explained the BBC.
Jun announced on Thursday that he will “fight to the end”.
Protests in Korea
Polls in Korea show that three-quarters of respondents support impeachment. On Saturday, demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament. Some K-pop stars have criticized the president and plan to donate food and drinks to the participants of the demonstrations.
Protesters outside the parliament in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
Protests are taking place not only in Seoul, but in many other big cities. Protesters are demanding Jun's immediate resignation and calling on the ruling party to vote for his impeachment.
Protesters outside the parliament in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
Reuters, Yonhap News, BBC
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
