Seoul, December 7 (IANS). South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said Saturday that he will let the ruling People’s Power Party decide on his tenure. In this way he indicated his willingness to accept a reduction in tenure.
Yun said in a televised address that he would let the ruling party take decisions on stabilizing the political situation, including the remainder of his presidential term, Xinhua news agency reported. He said that the party and the government will together take responsibility for the affairs of the state.
The embattled president said he was deeply sorry and sincerely apologized to those who were so shocked by the declaration of martial law. He said that they cannot escape their legal and political responsibility for this.
Yun bowed his head before the cameras and insisted that no more martial law would be declared.
Yun declared emergency martial law on Tuesday night, but withdrew the decision hours later. His move was opposed not only by the opposition parties but also by his own party.
The main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five other smaller parties on Wednesday introduced a motion to impeach Yun, with a vote expected to take place on Saturday afternoon.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People’s Power Party, said President Yoon’s early resignation was necessary. He said that under the current circumstances it is impossible for the President to perform his duties normally.
Han said he would try to save people from the troubles by closely discussing people’s livelihood and important issues with the Prime Minister.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, said he was deeply disappointed by Yoon’s address, which was out of line with people’s thinking and heightened people’s sense of betrayal and anger.
Lee stressed that there was no other way to stabilize the unrest other than the immediate resignation or impeachment of the President, vowing to do his best to force Yun to step down or impeach him.
–IANS
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