SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo on Thursday vetoed six controversial bills, exercising presidential power for the first time since assuming interim leadership following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The vetoes, which include four agricultural bills and two related to parliamentary procedure, were approved during an extraordinary Cabinet meeting convened by Han earlier in the day.
“My heart feels heavy as I ask the National Assembly to reconsider these six bills at a time when cooperation between the government and political parties is more essential than ever,” Han said in a statement. “However, the government must make responsible decisions that uphold the spirit of the Constitution and safeguard the nation’s future.”
Han assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s impeachment, Dec. 14, following a controversial martial law declaration.
The main opposition Democratic Party issued a scathing rebuke of Han, accusing him of aligning with what they described as "insurrection forces" in the wake of his decision to veto the six bills.
“Is Acting President Han trying to cement his legacy as an accomplice to insurrection, as the executor of martial law?” said Jo Seung-rae, the party’s chief spokesperson, during a briefing at the National Assembly. Jo criticized Han for prioritizing loyalty to the impeached president and his supporters over public opinion.
Noh Jong-myeon, DP's floor spokesperson, issued a written statement, saying "Han must not cross the line.” He claimed Han is showing a mirror image of Yoon, saying he undermined the National Assembly by branding the opposition as anti-state forces and wielding his veto power to paralyze democratic processes.
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