South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has once again exercised his veto power, rejecting the "Special Prosecutor Bill for First Lady Kim Keon-hee" for the third time. The bill, championed by the opposition, seeks to investigate allegations tied to the First Lady, but the administration views it as unconstitutional and politically motivated. This marks a critical moment in the ongoing power struggle between the executive branch and the opposition-controlled National Assembly.
1. The Special Prosecutor Bill and the Opposition's Push
The "Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Bill" was introduced to investigate allegations including stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors and other related scandals. The opposition Democratic Party (DP) reduced the scope of the bill from 14 investigation points to just three, aiming to make it more palatable. Furthermore, the bill proposed that special prosecutor candidates be nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a move designed to ensure impartiality.
However, the Yoon administration views the bill differently. President Yoon has labeled the opposition's actions as unconstitutional and politically charged, referring to them as a "political ploy" during a press briefing.
2. The Government's Stance: Strong Opposition
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reiterated the administration's position during the cabinet meeting where the re-consideration motion was passed. He criticized the bill for PM Han emphasized that such measures disrupt the government's ability to focus on critical issues like economic recovery and citizen welfare.
3. The Political Landscape: A Tug-of-War
This marks the 25th bill returned to the National Assembly since President Yoon's inauguration, underscoring the ongoing deadlock between the ruling party and opposition. While the ruling bloc accuses the opposition of leveraging legislative power to burden the administration, the DP argues the need for transparency and accountability regarding the First Lady’s alleged involvement in scandals.
4. What Lies Ahead?
With the bill sent back to the National Assembly, the opposition faces the challenge of securing a two-thirds majority to override the presidential veto, a difficult task even with its dominant position. Meanwhile, the government continues to emphasize its commitment to addressing more urgent national issues.
President Yoon’s third veto of the First Lady-related special prosecutor bill highlights the intensifying conflict between the executive and legislative branches. While the administration frames the rejection as a defense against unconstitutional overreach, the opposition insists on holding power to account. This standoff underscores the complexities of South Korea’s polarized political landscape, with both sides claiming to act in the public’s interest.
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