The bill, which required a two-thirds majority, failed to garner enough support, with 198 lawmakers voting in favor and 102 against. This outcome suggests that six lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) may have voted for the bill, despite the party's official stance.
The main opposition Democratic Party had proposed the bill to investigate allegations of stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors and the acceptance of luxury gifts. The party had previously introduced similar bills, which were either vetoed by the president or rejected by the National Assembly.
With the latest rejection, the Democratic Party is expected to reintroduce the bill once again. However, the party faces an uphill battle to secure the necessary support to pass the bill.
The failure to appoint a special prosecutor is likely to further intensify political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties.
The proposed special prosecutor bill was to assign a special prosecutor delve into allegations surrounding the first lady, including a stock manipulation case involving Deutsche Motors and controversies related to luxury gifts. These investigations would cover the period since President Yoon assumed office in May 2022.
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