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| ▲ Acting President Choi Sang-mok presides over a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 31, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
(2nd LD) Constitutional Court-justices
(2nd LD) Acting President Choi appoints 2 justices to Constitutional Court
(ATTN: ADDS reaction from PPP floor leader in paras 4-7)
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court, partially meeting the opposition's demand to fill three vacancies on the bench before a ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.
Choi said during a Cabinet meeting that he decided to appoint Jeong Gye-seon, a justice recommended by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), and Cho Han-chang, recommended by the ruling People Power Party, but will hold off on the other opposition-recommended justice Ma Eun-hyuk until the rival parties reach an agreement.
"I decided to appoint the Constitutional Court justices because of the need to end the political uncertainty and social conflict as soon as possible and stop a possible crisis in the economy and people's livelihoods," he said.
Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party, expressed strong regret over the appointments, accusing Choi of succumbing to the opposition's pressure.
"The acting president's decision amounts to a surrender to the opposition's impeachment threats, sacrificing the constitutional principle of due process," Kweon said.
"Today's decision will set a wrong precedent," he said.
Kweon called for Choi to maintain the status quo in state affairs, saying that he should not expand the scope of his authority.
The DP had demanded former acting President Han Duck-soo appoint the three justices without delay once motions for their appointments passed the opposition-controlled National Assembly.
After Han refused last week, the DP railroaded the motions and impeached Han, suspending him from duty and putting Choi in his place as interim leader.
By law, at least six votes are required to uphold an impeachment motion, which means the appointment of three additional justices could improve the chances of Yoon's impeachment being upheld.
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