Seoul [South Korea], December 15: South Korea's parliament on Saturday voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, almost two weeks following his botched attempt to institute martial law.
A second motion submitted by the largest opposition party in South Korea secured the required two-thirds majority. Their first motion a week ago failed after members of Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted proceedings, leaving the National Assembly without a quorum.
Of the 300 lawmakers, 204 voted in favour of launching impeachment proceedings.
Prime Minister Han Duck Soo is to assume presidential duties until the Constitutional Court takes the final decision on whether to confirm Yoon's impeachment or declare it unconstitutional.
In an initial reaction, Han pledged to do all in his power to ensure an orderly continuation of state business. His first instruction was for the military to increase security precautions.
Responding to the impeachment vote, Yoon said that he would listen to all the criticism, encouragement and support that he had received.
"I will do my best for the nation until the end," he added, speaking from the official presidential residence.
Park Chan Dae, parliamentary head of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), termed the vote a "victory for the people and for democracy." The opposition has accused Yoon of violating the constitution after his unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3.
The move shocked the nation but was rescinded just hours later following massive public resistance.
Despite freezing temperatures, some 200,000 demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building on Saturday to support Yoon's impeachment.
Police estimate that a further 30,000 of his supporters gathered in the centre of the capital, Seoul.
During the first impeachment vote on December 7, Yoon benefited from a change of mind from PPP leader Han Dong Hoon, who first said he would back the impeachment but then backtracked.
But on Thursday Han openly declared his support for ousting Yoon, who has remained stubbornly defiant in defending his short-lived martial law declaration.
Yoon, in a televised address on Thursday, labelled his political opponents "anti-state forces." The Constitutional Court now has a maximum of 180 days to make a final decision on Yoon's impeachment.
Analysts see Yoon's unexpected move as an act of desperation in the face of long-running allegations of corruption directed at his wife.
The president's approval ratings among the electorate have plummeted.
In addition, his PPP, which lacks a majority in the National Assembly, has been unable to get its legislation passed. The current heated controversy is focused on the budget for next year.
Source: Qatar Tribune