Growing Skepticism on Choi’s Impeachment… Timing of the Vote Uncertain
Democratic Party Highlights Legitimacy of Choi’s Impeachment to Avoid Blowback, Emphasizing Unconstitutionality and Illegality,
From the right: Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party; Kim Yong-min, chief deputy floor leader of the Democratic Party; Jeong Chun-saeng, chief deputy floor leader of the Innovative People’s Party; and Yoon Jong-oh, Progressive Party lawmaker, submitted an impeachment proposal against Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, acting as the President, at the National Assembly on the 21st. Yonhap News
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, ‘As acting President Prime Minister Han Deok-soo returns to duties on the 24th following the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of the impeachment motion, the opposition faces a complex situation over pursuing the impeachment of Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok.’,
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, “Despite concerns about a ‘backlash from consecutive impeachments’, the leadership of the Democratic Party, which has been at the forefront of Choi’s impeachment, is resolute in its efforts, highlighting the Constitutional Court’s indication of unconstitutionality due to Han’s failure to appoint constitutional judges.”,
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, ‘Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae pointed out at the Supreme Council meeting held at the Gwanghwamun tent headquarters, “The Constitutional Court made it clear that it was unconstitutional not to appoint three constitutional judges recommended by the National Assembly.”‘,
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, ‘Han’s failure to appoint three constitutional judges is deemed unconstitutional, just as Vice Prime Minister Choi’s failure to appoint constitutional judge nominee Ma Eun-hyeok is considered a constitutional violation.’,
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, “Democratic Party’s chief spokesperson Cho Seung-rae also affirmed the intention to proceed with Choi’s impeachment procedures, stating in a meeting with reporters at the National Assembly, ‘Regarding Han’s related Constitutional Court ruling, Choi Sang-mok’s unconstitutionality and illegality have become clear. We will continue the impeachment process against Choi Sang-mok.'”,
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, ‘Even with acting President Han’s return, the Democratic Party maintains that the grounds for Choi’s impeachment remain clear, though there is considerable internal skepticism about the legitimacy and efficacy of pursuing the impeachment.’,
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, “Notably, concerns about ‘fatigue from repeated impeachments and dismissals’ and the possibility of public backlash are unavoidable.”,
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, ‘The impeachment motion is automatically discarded if not voted on between 24 and 72 hours after it is reported at the plenary session. The next scheduled session is on the 27th. If reported then, a follow-up session would be needed for the vote.’,
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, ‘However, as the Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik is reportedly cautious about Choi’s impeachment, the likelihood of convening a plenary session appears uncertain. Some suggest that instead of allowing the motion to be discarded without a vote, it should be referred to the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee.’,
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