South Korea's leadership in turmoil as president impeached
South Korea's parliament voted on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. He has already announced that he "will not give up," although he feels "frustrated all the efforts so far will be in vain." Prime Minister Han Duck Soo, who is acting as President of South Korea, assured that he will "give all my strength and efforts to stabilise the government."
President Yoon Suk Yeol has been suspended from his duties until the Constitutional Court's ruling, which has up to 180 days to issue a decision. In the meantime, the duties of the president have been assumed immediately by Prime Minister Han Duck Soo.
- I will give all my strength and efforts to stabilise the government - Han told reporters after the vote. He added that he will not leave a "vacuum in the country's politics."
Acting President Han Duck Soo later attended a National Security Council meeting, during which - as reported by Reuters - he stated that his country must remain in a state of high readiness to ensure that North Korea cannot plan any provocations.
The political crisis leading to the resignation or arrest of several high-ranking defence and military officials, has raised concerns about South Korea's ability to deter a nuclear-armed North Korea at a time when Pyongyang is expanding its arsenal and deepening ties with Russia.
During the National Security Council meeting, the interim leader of South Korea also said that the country should secure its national interests through active diplomatic efforts before the new U.S. administration takes power.
Meanwhile, the suspended president, immediately after the parliamentary vote, delivered a televised speech.
- Although I am stopping for now, the journey I have walked with the people over the past two and a half years toward the future must never come to a halt. I will never give up - he stated. - I will carry with me all the criticism, encouragement, and support directed at me, and I will do my utmost for the nation until the very last moment - he declared, adding that he is "frustrated by the thought that all my efforts might have been in vain."
He also called on government officials to avoid "politics of recklessness and confrontation" and to make efforts to change the political culture in the country.
"We are ready to work with the new president"
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attending a summit in Jordan, praised South Korea for adhering to democratic procedures.
- We’ve seen it follow peacefully a process laid out in its constitution, and we’re ready to work with President Han - Blinken said.
The European Union called for a quick resolution of the political crisis in South Korea.
- The EU takes note of the decision by the National Assembly to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. It is important now to ensure a swift and orderly resolution of the current political crisis in line with the Korean Constitution - emphasised EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Anitta Hipper.
