MPs struggle to define plan to impeach South Korean president

“I will relegate the decision to the National Assembly, including the shortening of my presidential term and resignation”, Park said.

Park didn’t immediately comment publicly on the arson.

Push to amend the country’s constitution, which has been unchanged for about three decades, would take at least one year, discouraging opposition legislators to pursue it. Park’s five-year tenure is originally set to end in February 2018. “If it’s impossible to vote on the impeachment motion on December 2nd, then let’s hold the vote on December 9th”. If she were to be impeached, the similarly unpopular Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn would assume the presidency.

“She doesn’t want the parliament to impeach her and she doesn’t think that the parliament can soon reach an agreement, so she is making things complicated and trying to shift some of her blame to the parliament”, said Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University.

Referring to the fire, Lee Dae-ho, a 60-year-old laborer in Daegu, said: “Maybe it’s the curse of the Daegu people, timing wise, because she made that announcement (offering to step down)”.

Later Thursday, People’s Party floor leader Park Jie-won told reporters his party wants the vote on the impeachment motion next Monday and that he will try to convince the Democratic Party and the minor opposition Justice Party to get on the same page.

There’s a continuing tug-of-war at the National Assembly over President Park Geun-hye’s departure from office.

“The president has appointed Park among the two candidates recommended earlier by opposition parties”, said Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Jung Youn-kuk in a press briefing. But just how does the impeachment process work in the R.O.K.

The official said opposition parties are using unofficial, backroom channels to see if they can still secure enough Saenuri MPs who would align with their impeachment drive.

“Merchants here supported me whenever I had difficulties and I’m really sorry”, Park said during her visit, “I agonized a lot over whether I should come here in the current situation”. The presidential election could be held two months later, according to his suggestion. The president claimed through a spokesman she would “fully cooperate with the team’s investigation, including face-to-face questioning”.

Park cannot be prosecuted while in office but she can be investigated, and charges could be laid against her once she steps down.

Near the market, though, dozens of anti-Park protesters staged rallies calling for her removal, according to media reports.

The party considered the timetable the most appropriate to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, maintain stability and give political parties time to prepare for the presidential election, Chung said.

And up to 1,500 street vendors and small businesses closed their doors or displayed stickers demanding Ms Park’s resignation. At the same time, it reflects broader concerns about the decline of living conditions as a result of the sustained attack on jobs, working conditions and the country’s limited social services by both Saenuri and Democrat-led administrations. The town has traditionally been very supportive of the president.