Cheong Wa Dae has dismissed the possibility of President Park Geun-hye’s resignation. But this sort of provocative response -- via spokespeople after her two public apologies -- to angry citizens’ demands may reveal the immense physiological pressure that the incumbent administration is under.
In addition, the presidential office’s comments on a possible impeachment bill appear to reflect Park’s beleaguered position. While it said impeachment was “the authority of the National Assembly,” the remarks could sound to citizens like another provocation: “Do whatever you (lawmakers) want, if you think you can win.”
If fact, however, Park may be relieved that the parliamentary opposition has yet to show her the “red card” and actually take action to drive her out.
Though a minor group of opposition lawmakers have embarked on a review on the efficacy of litigation, most are still hesitant.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea should have initiated the impeachment at the Assembly in Yeouido, not followed citizens in shouting for her resignation in Gwanghwamun.
The party has already well confirmed its understanding of the people’s fury via direct participation in the historic demonstration last weekend. Now it is urgent for party leaders, including Moon Jae-in and Choo Mi-ae, to command Yeouido by scrapping any plans to join a rally this Saturday.
Worries like meeting a backlash after issuing an impeachment bill are irresponsible and fainthearted. They let down the people who were duped by the president, and their supporters, who voted for the main opposition party. Amid the Park Geun-hye scandal, lawmakers have the crucial obligation to effectively exercise their exclusive rights given to them by voters.
It would also be silly if the party further hesitates to do so out of concern over the passage of the bill, which requires 200 votes out of the total 300, or alternatively it could be denied by the Constitutional Court. Skepticism is due to some gullible politicians, who worry that procedures could take up to a half year, though the theoretical timetable might be a tactic stemming from the pro-Park faction to curb the move.
Via coordination with two other opposition parties -- the People’s Party and Justice Party -- and independent lawmakers, the Democratic Party could easily meet the requirement for 151 votes (the majority) to propose a motion to impeach the incumbent president. It would be more powerful if they could garner support from some rational members of the ruling Saenuri Party as well.
This will effectively open up a new front against Park, alongside the ongoing demonstrations by citizens nationwide. So, despite some people’s concerns, an impeachment attempt will not allow Cheong Wa Dae to get off the hook through kill-the-clock tactics. Further, the coming investigation by an independent counsel will take on a supporting role.
This targets the scenario that Park would give up resisting and step down while the bill is pending.
The main opposition has played practically none of its cards in the more than three weeks since the influence-peddling scandal involving Park and her nongovernmental confidante Choi Soon-sil broke on Oct. 24.
Their 121 parliamentary seats are of no value as long as they merely tag along with citizens at rallies or follow minor parties in seeking solutions.
As the most prompt resolution to the affair is still Park’s surrender, irrespective of an impeachment bill’s fate, the nation should not overlook the possibility that it may face an earlier-than-expected presidential race in the coming weeks.
It is hard to agree with the opinion that “the nation could select an inappropriate candidate as the successor (now) due to the election deadline of 60 days after Park’s resignation.” Time wasn’t a factor in other Saenuri hopefuls’ or other party contenders’ defeat to Park in 2012.
As for the Saenuri Party, the fate of the ruling party is dependent upon whether it moves to act as a fair referee by kicking out pro-Park lawmakers as soon as possible.
And they have more crucial responsibility of closely collaborating with the opposition on issuing and passing an impeachment motion, and of adding to the voices demanding her quick departure.
