Protests in South Korea Demand President Yoon Suk-yeol's Resignation
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World
December 7, 2024 12:00
seoul - South Koreans took to the streets demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol due to insufficient support for his impeachment.
In the South Korean parliament, there were not enough lawmakers present to approve a proposal to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. His position came under immense pressure after declaring a military emergency. South Koreans massed in the streets.
The opposition seeks to oust Yoon but lacks the necessary two-thirds majority in parliament. Party members of the president walked out of the chamber before the vote.
The opposition holds 192 seats in parliament, while Yoon's PPP has 108. This means eight members of the ruling party must vote for his impeachment. However, reportedly, only two PPP members remained present.
According to the Yonhap news agency, the ruling party decided not to support Yoon's impeachment. The parliamentary speaker urged PPP members to return and cast their votes.
Even if Yoon manages to survive for now, his political future remains uncertain. The opposition has reiterated its call for impeachment, drawing anger from many citizens. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament demanding his resignation.
Police estimate nearly 150,000 people joined a demonstration against Yoon on Saturday. Organizers claim the number to be a million protesters.