South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol proclaimed martial law on Tuesday, December 3, affirming that this measure was necessary to protect the country from “ North Korean communist forces » in a context of heated parliamentary debate on the budget. The opposition considers the law to be “ illegal » and calls for mobilization in front of Parliament.
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“ To protect the South Korea liberalize the threats posed by North Korean communist forces and eliminate elements hostile to the state […] I declare emergency martial law “, declared the president live in a surprise televised address.
“ Without regard for the livelihood of the people, the opposition party paralyzed the government, for the purposes of impeachment, special investigations and to protect its leader from prosecution », Launched the president. All political activities were banned and Parliament placed under seal, according to the Yonhap agency. Helicopters were seen on the roof of Parliament, according to images broadcast on television. Special forces are also trying to enter the building.
The opposition’s call to demonstrate
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung denounced the new martial law as ” illegal » and called on the population to gather in front of Parliament in protest.
“ President Yoon Suk-yeol’s illegal imposition of martial law is invalid ” Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, said live. “ Come to the National Assembly now. I’m going there too “, he added, urging citizens to join him in opposing martial law.
His call seems heard. Hundreds of people flock to Parliament to protest against the imposition of martial law, according to images broadcast live on television. “ Open the door, please. Your job is to protect the National Assembly. Why do you stand idly by while MPs are trampled? ” a man shouted at a group of police officers guarding the building’s doors.
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The National Assembly, a “ refuge of criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship “, according to the president
The surprise intervention comes as Yoon Suk-yeol’s People Power Party continues to battle with the main opposition Democratic Party over the government’s proposed budget for next year. Opposition MPs approved a significantly reduced budget program last week through a committee.
“ Our National Assembly has become a refuge for criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship which seeks to paralyze the administrative and judicial systems and overthrow our liberal democratic order said Yoon Suk-yeol. He accused the elected representatives of the opposition of cutting “ all budgets essential to the primary functions of the nation which are the fight against drug-related crimes and the maintenance of public security […] transforming the country into a drug haven and a place of public safety chaos. »
Yoon Suk-yeol went on to call the opposition, which holds a majority in Parliament, “force hostile to the state intending to overthrow the regime “. He assured that his decision was “ inevitable “. “I will restore normalcy in the country by getting rid of these anti-state forces as soon as possible », added the South Korean president.
China calls on its nationals to “ stay calm », Washington says it is monitoring the situation
The Chinese Embassy in South Korea “advises Chinese nationals in South Korea to remain calm…increase security vigilance, limit unnecessary outings, and exercise caution when expressing political opinions “, she recommended in a press release.
The United States declared “monitor the situation closely “. The American government is in contact with the government of the Republic of Korea “, a White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement.