South Korea's ruling People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hoon, has called for the swift suspension of President Yoon Suk-yeol's constitutional powers. This demand comes amid ongoing fallout from President Yoon's recent declaration of martial law, as reported by Yonhap News Agency on Friday.
Han made his statement during an emergency meeting of the party leadership, reversing his earlier position against the opposition's efforts to impeach President Yoon. He claimed that on the day martial law was declared, President Yoon ordered the arrest of major politicians. Han stated that reliable sources confirmed that Yoon used intelligence agencies in these attempts.
He warned that if President Yoon continues to exercise his presidential duties in this manner, extreme measures like martial law could be repeated, posing significant dangers to the country and its people.
Last Thursday, Han vowed to block the opposition-backed motion to impeach President Yoon. The main opposition Democratic Party has scheduled an impeachment vote for Saturday evening. Additionally, the national police have launched an investigation into President Yoon based on allegations of insurrection filed by opposition parties and activists.
A recent poll conducted by local firm Realmeter showed that 73.6 percent of respondents support President Yoon's impeachment. Thousands of protesters have been rallying in central Seoul and near the parliament, demanding that President Yoon step down.
If the impeachment motion passes, President Yoon will be suspended pending a verdict from the Constitutional Court. Should the court approve, President Yoon will be impeached, and new elections will need to be held within 60 days.
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South Korean ruling party leader calls for suspension of Yoon's powers
cgtn.com
