South Korea opposition introduces bill to impeach scandal-tainted Park

South Korean lawmakers put forward a historic bill to impeach scandal-hit President Park Geun-hye early Saturday, after the opposition bloc heralded a vote on the motion on December 9. It is possible that even if President Park presents a timeline for her resignation before the Wednesday deadline, Park adversaries in the Saenuri Party could decide to support the impeachment motion if the April timeline is not endorsed by the opposition as well.

Another huge protest is scheduled for Saturday in central Seoul to demand Park’s immediate resignation.

“We hereby propose impeachment proceedings to protect the constitution and restore constitutional order by removing President Park Geun-hye from office”. They are ramping up efforts to get members of the ruling party to break ranks.

Activists have called for a sixth protest Saturday in central Seoul, despite Ms Park’s announcement that she would be willing to cede power. The idea is that the focusing of the public’s wrath on opponents of impeachment could deal the Saenuri Party a blow it won’t easily recover from.

“The three opposition parties will pursue the impeachment through close cooperation and without wavering”, a spokesman for the main opposition Democratic Party, Ki Dong-min, said. Amid the continued discord, the possibility of a planned vote on impeachment motion this Friday looks slim.

While she retains the presidency, Park can not be charged with a criminal offence except insurrection or treason, but she would lose that immunity once she steps down.

Police said they arrested a 48-year-old man who told investigators he used paint thinner to set fire to the birthplace of Park’s late father on Thursday because he was angry over her refusal to step down immediately over the scandal involving a confidant accused of influence peddling and extortion. In an address to the nation, Park announced her intention to resign before her term ends in February 2018.

Thousands were also expected to rally near the National Assembly to pressure parties, including Park’s conservative ruling party, to vote for her impeachment. The impeachment bill says President Park failed to recognize what was happening during the “golden time” for rescue. Choi is also alleged to have funneled some of the funds to her private companies and to side contracts for friends.

The National Assembly will hold public hearings next week to question corporate leaders who were allegedly pressured by Choi to donate millions of dollars to sports and cultural foundations. “Quite a few lawmakers think there needs to be some thought as to what happens if the impeachment motion is voted down”.

By dragging the ruling and opposition parties into the debate over making a constitutional amendment necessary for her resignation, Park appears to be seeking to stall leaving office.