Democratic Party Proposes Impeachment Motion Against Minister Lee... Presidential Office Says "Impeachment Is for Serious Violations"
[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] On the 6th, the Presidential Office expressed concerns that the Democratic Party of Korea's motion to impeach Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min could set a "bad precedent," stating, "Many legal experts are pointing out which constitutional and legal provisions have been violated."
A senior official from the Presidential Office met with reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon and said, "Regarding Minister Lee Sang-min's impeachment, the procedures are being carried out in the National Assembly, and since many steps remain, it is not appropriate for the Presidential Office to take a position." However, the official added, "Generally, the impeachment of a Cabinet member occurs only when there is a serious violation of the Constitution and laws."
In particular, the official expressed concern that this impeachment motion could become a bad precedent in constitutional history. When asked whether the Presidential Office's position was that they do not know of any constitutional violations by Minister Lee, the official replied, "While we share thoughts, it is not timely to state it as the Presidential Office's position. The Presidential Office would not oppose what many constitutional experts are saying."
Regarding measures for Minister Lee's suspension from duty, the official explained, "The motion has been submitted, and procedures remain in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the plenary session. There are also various opinions within the Democratic Party. Since it is difficult to predict what will happen during the National Assembly's process, it is not advisable to prematurely state the Presidential Office's position."
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