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Opposition Files_impeachment Motion Against South Korean Acting President, Here’s Why

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

BREAKING: South Korean Opposition Seeks President Han‘s Impeachment Over Delay in Yoon’s Removal

Seoul, South Korea – The main opposition party in South Korea has officially initiated an impeachment motion against the acting president, Han Duck Soo, following his refusal to endorse the appointment of new judges for the Constitutional Court of South Korea (MK), blocking the completion of former president Yoon Suk Yeol‘s impeachment process.

In a development reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Thursday, December 26, 2024, the opposition party moved to impeach Han after he declined to approve the appointment of three new justices to the MK, leaving the crucial nine-member bench short-handed. This delay has effectively halted the process aimed at finalizing Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly’s earlier vote on December 14, 2024.

South Korea has been grappling with a political crisis since Yoon was politically neutralized after the legislature voted to impeach him. In an unexpected turn of events, Yoon had declared a state of emergency and invoked martial law early last month.

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Sung Joon confirmed, "We have filed the motion… and will be submitting it to the plenary session today," at a press conference outside the National Assembly compound. He added, "We will put it to a vote tomorrow."

[Watch: ‘Yoon Impeached: South Korea and the UnravelingPolitical Crisis’]

This development further intensifies the political turmoil in South Korea, with the opposition now targeting Han, who stepped in as acting president after Yoon was temporarily removed from office.

Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving situation in South Korea.

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World

Trump’s Stance on Panama Canal and Greenland: parted ways or new beginnings?

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Headline:
Trump‘s Latest Controversy: Threatening to Seize Control of Panama Canal and Greenland

Subhead:
President-elect’s bold claims raise eyebrows ahead of January 2025 inauguration

Article:

In a move that has become all too typical, Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has once again sparked controversy with his remarks. As he prepares to take office in January 2025, Trump has made headlines by threatening to seize control of the Panama Canal and expressing interest in purchasing Greenland.

Panama Canal Standoff

Trump’s latest comments, shared via his Truth Social platform, warn that the U.S. might take over the Panama Canal if Panama fails to manage the vital waterway to the U.S.’s satisfaction. This is a remarkable statement, as it is rare for a U.S. leader to openly suggest the seizure of territory from a sovereign nation.

The Panama Canal, mainly built by the U.S., was jointly administered until 1999, when the U.S. handed full control to Panama. Trump has criticized the financial terms of this handover, claiming that the U.S. has been treated unfairly. "The money given was not a gift, but a symbol of our partnership," Trump wrote. "If these principles are not respected, we will demand the return of the Panama Canal, in full and without question."

Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, has since released a video statement asserting Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, dismissing Trump’s complaints about increased fees for ships passing through as a result of market demand and operational costs.

Greenland: Not for Sale

In a separate but equally contentious remark, Trump has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. In a post announcing his intention to appoint Ken Howery, a former U.S. envoy to Sweden, as Ambassador to Denmark, Trump stated that "For purposes of national security and freedom around the world, America believes controlling and owning Greenland is an absolute necessity."

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, swiftly rejected Trump’s suggestion. "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale, and we will never be for sale. We cannot afford to lose the long fight for our freedom," Egede asserts.

This is not the first time Trump has expressed interest in Greenland. In 2019, he verbally explored the possibility, saying, "Strategically, it’s something we can talk about. They lose a lot of money with Denmark, and we’ll see what happens."

Serious Policy or Media Gimmick?

Trump’s provocative statements have some questioning whether these remarks are serious policy proposals or merely attention-grabbing rhetoric designed to excite his base or generate headlines. In the past, Trump has used inflammatory language to open negotiations or influence public opinion.

With his inauguration just around the corner, Trump’s comments serve as a reminder that his presidency will likely continue to be marked by bold declarations and unexpected moves. As the world watches and waits, one thing is clear: under Trump, predictability may continue to take a back seat.

(Hafidh / Hafidh)

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World

The Brewing Storm: Threat of Interim President Impeachment in Corsel’s Political Drama

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

South Korean Opposition Threatens to Oust Acting President in Power Struggle

SEOUL: The political drama in South Korea (SDK) shows no signs of abating. In the latest twist, the opposition in South Korea’s parliament is considering impeaching Acting President Han Duck-soo.

AFP reports that this threat comes as a protest against Han’s refusal to sign two special acts of legislation aimed at investigating his predecessor, the ousted Yoon Suk Yeol. The acts relate to Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which was later rescinded after being rejected by the parliament.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Party, has set Christmas Eve as the deadline for Han to announce the two special acts. Yoon’s declaration of martial law was subsequently revoked after being rejected by the parliament.

The parliament also called for a bill to investigate corruption allegations involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee. Yoon was impeached by the parliament on December 14 after a brief declaration of martial law 11 days earlier, plunging the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

Han, who replaced Yoon, rebuffed the opposition’s demands during a cabinet meeting, insisting on a bipartisan agreement for both acts. Opposition leader Park Chan-dae criticized Han’s stance, stating, "His actions suggest he intends to continue his rebellion by delaying the legal process."

" Han will soon face imminent impeachment," Park warned.

The threat comes just 10 days after Yoon was impeached in an opposition-led vote, suspending him from his presidential duties while the Constitutional Court decides on the validity of the impeachment. The opposition is seeking to establish two independent investigative bodies to probe Yoon’s martial law declaration and the controversial affairs of First Lady Kim, including allegations of bribery.

Yoon is currently under investigation by a joint team comprising police, defense ministry officials, and anti-corruption prosecutors. While the opposition argues that a simple majority in the 300-member parliament is needed to impeach Han, the ruling People Power Party maintains that a two-thirds majority is required, as Han is currently serving as acting president.

Also Watch: ‘South Korean President Impeached, Ruling Party Leader Resigns’

(haf/idh)

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PDIP’s PPN 12% Initiative: Don’t Hide Fists While Slinging Stones!

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Gerindra Blames PDIP for 12% VAT Hike, PDIP Retaliates

Jakarta – Andre Rosiade, Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Faction in the House of Representatives (DPR), has weighed in on the issue of the VAT increase to 12%, pinning the blame on the PDIP party.

"Now it seems like PDIP is throwing stones and hiding their hands about the 12% VAT hike, then attacking the Prabowo administration, when in fact, this was their initiative last year. So, PDIP shouldn’t play the victim," Andre told reporters Monday night (22/12/2024).

Andre stated that the Prabowo administration is now faced with implementing the Law Number 7 of 2021 on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations (HPP), which is the basis for the VAT hike. The administration, he asserted, cannot immediately cut the VAT rate because the State Budget for the 2025 fiscal year has already been agreed upon by the government and the DPR period 2019-2024.

The administration, Andre continued, is attempting to enforce the Law while considering the current difficulties faced by the public. According to him, the Prabowo administration is mitigating the Law’s implementation by applying the 12% VAT only to luxury goods, while essential goods remain at the 11% VAT rate.

"Now PDIP, especially Dolfie as the Chair of the HPP Law Drafting Team, shouldn’t provoke the public. Dolfie, you’re the driving force behind the 12% VAT hike," Andre added.

PDIP’s Response

Dolfie Othniel Frederic Palit, Deputy Chairman of the XI Commission of the DPR RI, responded to Gerindra’s accusations blaming PDIP for the approval of the Law Number 7 of 2021 on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations (HPP), which led to the 12% VAT increase. Dolfie explained that the HPP Law was originally an initiative of the government under President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

"The HPP Law is an initiative of the Jokowi administration, submitted to the DPR on May 5, 2021. At that time, all factions agreed to deliberate on the government’s proposal for the HPP Draft Law," Dolfie said.

Dolfie added that at the time, eight DPR factions, excluding PKS, approved the HPP Draft Law, which was finalized on October 7, 2021. The HPP Law, in the form of an Omnibus Law, amended several provisions of the KUP Law, PPh Law, PPN Law, and Cukai Law, and also established the Voluntary Taxpayer Reporting Program and Carbon Tax.

The government, Dolfie explained, has the authority to propose an increase or decrease in the VAT rate, with a range of 5 to 12 percent. If the Prabowo administration plans to maintain the 12% VAT rate, it must also focus on improving economic performance, creating jobs, and enhancing public services.

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Golkar’s 60th Anniversary: Agung Laksono, Jusuf Kalla Attend Amidst PMI Chairmanship Rivalry

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Senior figures of Golkar, a prominent political party in Indonesia, gathered to celebrate the party’s 60th anniversary in Sentul. Two key figures, Agung Laksono and Jusuf Kalla, were in attendance, despite their recent dispute over the chairmanship of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). Agung arrived earlier and took a seat in the front row with other Golkar figures, while Jusuf entered with President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, sitting in a row with them and several other dignitaries. Other senior Golkar members present included Agus Gumiwang Kertasasmita, Bambang Soesatyo, and others. The event was also attended by leaders of other political parties, such as Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono of Democrat, Mardiono of PPP, Ahmad Heryawan of PKS, and Muhaimin Iskandar of PKB. The anniversary coincided with the contentious PMI chairmanship race, with Jusuf recently re-elected but Agung also laying claim to the position.

Title: Prominent Figures Attend Golkar’s 60th Anniversary Celebration: Jusuf Kalla and Agung Laksono Join the Festivities

Introduction

The Golongan Karya (Golkar) party recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, a significant milestone in Indonesia’s political landscape. The event, held on November 25, 2021, was graced by the presence of several prominent figures, including former Vice President Jusuf Kalla and prominent politician Agung Laksono. Their attendance underscored the importance of the occasion and highlighted the party’s enduring influence in Indonesian politics.

Golkar’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

Golkar, one of Indonesia’s oldest and most influential political parties, was founded on November 25, 1961, initially as a political organization for employees of state-owned enterprises. Over the years, it has evolved into a major political force, playing a crucial role in Indonesia’s democratic transition and subsequent development.

The 60th anniversary celebration was a grand affair, attended by numerous high-profile guests, including former and current political figures, business leaders, and other influential members of Indonesian society. The event was held under strict health protocols, adhering to Indonesia’s COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of all attendees.

Jusuf Kalla’s Presence

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla was among the distinguished guests at the celebration. Kalla, who served under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono from 2004 to 2009, is a senior figure in Golkar. His presence at the anniversary event was a testament to his ongoing commitment to the party and its ideals.

Kalla took the opportunity to reflect on Golkar’s history and its significance in Indonesia’s political development. He praised the party’s role in fostering democratic values and encouraging political pluralism in the country. Kalla also expressed his hope that Golkar would continue to play a constructive role in Indonesia’s political landscape, contributing to the country’s progress and development.

Agung Laksono Joins the Celebration

Another prominent figure who attended the Golkar anniversary celebration was Agung Laksono, a veteran politician and former speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR). Laksono, who is also a Golkar party member, was instrumental in Indonesia’s democratic transition in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Laksono’s attendance at the event was a nod to his longstanding relationship with Golkar and his enduring commitment to the party’s principles. Like Kalla, Laksono also took the opportunity to reflect on Golkar’s history and its role in Indonesia’s political journey. He emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and fostering political pluralism, echoing Golkar’s long-standing commitment to these principles.

Conclusion

The attendance of Jusuf Kalla and Agung Laksono at Golkar’s 60th anniversary celebration was a clear indication of the party’s enduring influence and relevance in Indonesian politics. Their presence and comments underscored Golkar’s historical role in fostering democratic values and encouraging political pluralism in the country. As Golkar looks ahead to the future, the presence of these prominent figures serves as a reminder of the party’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to Indonesia’s progress and development.

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