Voting on the impeachment motion may be considered invalid due to lack of quorum
The president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, may survive an impeachment motion this Saturday because of a boycott by deputies from his party, who left parliament before voting began.
Several deputies left the National Assembly before voting began, leaving just one. Since 200 deputies are needed for voting to begin, it can be considered invalid due to lack of quorum.
Outside the main salary, MPs from opposition parties were heard shouting “get in [no plenário]” and calling the deputies “cowards.” Later, a deputy from the Popular Power Party (PPP) returned to the plenary. The remaining 106 remain outside.
The impeachment motion was filed on Wednesday after Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night, a move he overturned about six hours later.
This Saturday, before voting began, the president apologized to the country, justifying the decision because he felt “desperate”.
“This declaration of emergency martial law arose out of my desperation as head of state affairs,” Yoon declared, in a brief two-minute speech.
“I deeply regret and sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been very shocked,” Yoon lamented, acknowledging that he “caused anxiety and inconvenience” to South Korean citizens.
Meanwhile, at a demonstration against Yoon Suk Yeol, insisting on calls for his removal.
“Arrest Yook Suk Yeol”, shout the protesters, quoted by the BBC, which is following the protest. “Surround the National Assembly”, they appeal.
