South Korea president impeachment vote stalls as ruling party boycotts – Top developments – Times of India

After South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived attempt to impose martial law, a vote to impeach him over the controversial decision was left in limbo on Saturday. This was due to members of his ruling party walking out, while the opposition urged them to return and vote.
The impeachment motion, introduced by the main opposition Democratic Party, faced significant hurdles. Only one member of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) remained in the chamber, with a few others briefly returning to vote, casting doubt on the measure’s chances of securing the necessary two-thirds majority.
The proceedings, marked by tension and division, starkly contrasted the earlier chaos in parliament, where heated shouting and insults had echoed through the chamber. The vote came just days after Yoon’s martial law declaration, which plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades and threatened to damage the country’s reputation as a democratic success story.
To pass the motion, the opposition needs at least eight votes from PPP lawmakers. However, after voting on a separate motion to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the first lady, most PPP members walked out of the chamber, sparking angry shouts from onlookers.
As the debate on impeachment continued, opposition lawmakers recited the names of the PPP members who had left, intensifying their frustration.
“Police estimated that around 149,000 people had joined the gathering as of 5:30 pm (0830 GMT), while organisers claimed the turnout was one million,” Yonhap reported.

Here is what South Korea’s week of turmoil was:

Mass protests demand President Yoon’s resignation

Nearly 150,000 people gathered outside South Korea’s parliament on Saturday to demand the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial attempt to impose martial law. Yonhap News reported that police estimated the turnout at approximately 149,000 by 5:30 pm (0830 GMT), while organisers claimed the crowd exceeded one million.
The rally coincided with intense political turmoil, as lawmakers struggled to secure enough votes to impeach Yoon over the martial law declaration.

Lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) staged a mass walkout during the impeachment vote, effectively ensuring it would not pass. A live video feed from parliament showed PPP legislators leaving the chamber, even as thousands of demonstrators chanted for Yoon’s ousting outside.
The impeachment motion was filed by opposition parties following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which was nullified earlier in the week after widespread condemnation and protests.

Ahead of the impeachment vote, Yoon issued a televised apology on Saturday, expressing regret for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law declaration. While taking responsibility for his actions, Yoon stopped short of resigning, instead leaving the resolution of the political crisis to his party.
“The declaration of this martial law was made out of desperation, but it caused shock and concern among the public. I deeply apologise,” he said.
Also read: Martial law, protest, impeachment? S. Korea’s week of turmoil

Yoon’s martial law decree has plunged South Korea into political chaos. His approval ratings have plummeted to a record low of 13%, and allegations of authoritarianism have intensified. Opposition parties have accused Yoon of using martial law to deflect attention from scandals involving himself and his family.
The fallout has also reached the military, with senior commanders suspended and the Defence Minister offering his resignation. The US has expressed concern over the developments, urging respect for democratic processes.

Despite the PPP’s boycott, opposition lawmakers remained resolute in their efforts to impeach Yoon, with many camping out in parliament to ensure the motion’s success. Outside, protesters continued to gather in freezing temperatures, amplifying calls for Yoon to step down.
With the political crisis showing no signs of resolution, South Korea faces an uncertain future as public discontent and political divisions deepen.