This Week in Politics

South Korean President Removed

Now-former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed after the Constitutional Court unanimously voted to uphold a parliamentary impeachment proceeding following his declaration of martial law in December. The decision comes after weeks of deliberation and a period of uncertainty within South Korea and internationally. All eight court judges, many appointed by Mr Yoon himself, voted to remove him from office. This triggers a new presidential election, which must be held within the coming 60 days.

“Respecting the will of our sovereign people, I will do my utmost to manage the next presidential election in accordance with the constitution and the law, ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration,” acting President Han Duck-soo said following the ruling.

Mr Yoon released a statement thanking South Koreans and his supporters for the "great honour" of serving as president. Anti-Yoon protesters celebrated the court ruling. Some 60% of the population had been polled in favour of his permanent removal. Smaller scores of Mr Yoon's supporters were reported damaging police vehicles. Mr Yoon's People Power Party“solemnly accepts” the ruling, and one lawmaker apologised to South Korea for the ordeal. The former president's lawyer accused the court of making a “purely political decision.”

“[Mr Yoon] committed a grave betrayal of the trust of the people, who are the sovereign members of the democratic republic,” acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said announcing the decision.

"The defendant not only declared martial law, but also violated the constitution and laws by mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the exercise of legislative authority. Ultimately, the declaration of martial law in this case violated the substantive requirements for emergency martial law," the chief justice continued.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

The Democratic-backed candidate, Susan Crawford, handily won in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The victory cements the liberal majority in the state's highest court and comes as welcome news to a Democratic Party disillusioned with its 2024 losses. The Republican-backed candidate, conservative Brad Schimel, had been endorsed by President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk. Mr Musk spent an unprecedented $21 million to campaign against Madam Crawford. Overall $100 million was spent in the Supreme Court race, shattering the previous $51 million record. Madam Crawford secured victory by roughly a 10% margin, in staunch contrast with President Trump's slim win in 2024.

"Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I would be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin. And we won," Madam Crawford stated in his victory speech.

Marie Le Pen Barred from Candidacy

In a consequential court ruling, French far-right leader Marie Le Pen has been barred from running for public office within the immediate next 5 years. The former leader of Rassemblement National and two-time presidential candidate against President Emmanuel Macron was set to vie again in 2027 but is now unable to do so. She was found guilty of embezzling European Union funds, although not to a personal benefit, to finance her political party. Moreover, she has been charged with a €100,000 fine alongside a four-year prison sentence, half of which will be spent with an electronic tag rather than in custody, while the other two are suspended. The ruling by a three-judge panel exceeded 150 pages, outlining Madame Le Pen bypassing French political spending rules.

"I’m not going to submit to a denial of democracy this easily," Madame Le Pen announced in her first public statement on the verdict.

Rassemblement National must find a replacement candidate for the 2027 election, with incumbent President Macron constitutionally barred from running for re-election. Madame Le Pen had been leading first-round polling with strong margins. Her exit raises questions about Rassemblement National's ability to compete, she has become the clear face of the party with strong name recognition. Whether the clear frontrunner to replace her, current party leader Jordan Berdella, can sustain her momentum will be defining for the 2027 presidential election.