This Week in Politics
South Korean Presidential Turmoil
In a move reminiscent of a troubled and painful dictatorial past President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in South Korea, breaking nearly 5 decades of precedent. He cited "anti-state forces" and the North Korean threat as leading reasons for his declaration. The act of martial law is when the military replaces civil authorities in times of emergency. Although, quickly it became apparent this declaration was one of a besieged president, feeling the difficulty of desperately low approval ratings and an opposition-controlled parliament, wanting to enact his policy, rather than a tangible threat. Quickly, thousands took to protesting outside parliament, facing military personnel. The opposition coalesced to remove the law by vote, with the president pending the martial law 6 hours after it was declared.
Then, President Yoon Suk Yeol faced vehement impeachment calls with increasing intensity and support. Such a disposal required 2/3 support in the National Assembly, meaning an impeachment would need support from the president's own party, the People Power Party (PPP). Senior aides to the president then resigned. PPP officials, including the Head of the PPP, criticised the president and his fitness to continue ruling, following early support.
“[If] President Yoon continues to hold the office of the presidency, there is a significant risk that extreme actions similar to the martial law declaration could be repeated, which could put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger,” said the Head of the People Power Party Han Dong-hoon at an emergency party leadership meeting.
Commander Kwak Jong-geun of the South Korean Special Forces stated that the president ordered him to “drag out” lawmakers from parliament during the short martial law period. Moreover, the Head of the PPP Han Dong-hoon has remarked that the president intended to arrest key political figures. Leader of the opposition and Democratic Party Lee Jae-myung warned the president may reinstate martial law ahead of the impeachment vote, though the president's office denied the allegation. Ultimately, the impeachment is an ongoing ordeal, in which members of the PPP have left the National Assembly as the opposition hopes they will return.
French Vote of Confidence
Following a period of political uncertainty, with President Macron calling a snap-election this year depriving his own party of many seats, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted alongside his 3-month government. The vote was triggered following Mr Barnier forcing through a budget without parliament, leading to a motion of no-confidence. The bill was devised by the left, yet vitally supported by the far-right National Rally headed by long-time presidential candidate Marie Le Pen. Mr Macron priorly accused Le Pen of "unbearable cynicism." This is the first time in over 60 years a French government has collapsed in such a manner and reflects the political gap in France. President Emmanuel Macron now stands to the task of finding a new prime minister, with some 2 years of his own presidential tenure remaining, able to unite a somewhat broad base of support.
Biden Pardons his Son
President Joe Biden has issued an unconditional and full pardon of his son Hunter Biden, dropping a longstanding commitment to not do so. The pardon buries years of legal troubles, including illegally buying a firearm and engaging in tax evasion. Democrats have had mixed reactions, with many criticising the president. Notably, the 2016 Vice Presidential nominee and Senator of Virginia Tim Kaine stated Mr Biden did not need to promise not to pardon his son, yet did anyway and then went back on his word.
"It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election." President Biden's statement in which he pardons Hunter Biden, his son.
Republicans including former President Trump have been outraged by the move. Mr Trump called the decision "Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Independent Senator Joe Manchin, a former Democrat, asked "Why don’t you go ahead and pardon Donald Trump, for all his charges?"
"There has been an effort to break Hunter — who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me — and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here." President Biden's statement in which he pardons Hunter Biden, his son.
"I believe in the justice system" President Biden added in his last paragraph.
