Displaying items by tag: constitutional court

The constitutional court has overturned the impeachment of South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president amid ongoing political upheaval. Han was removed from office after president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late last year, suspending civilian legal processes and triggering a national crisis. After Yoon's suspension by lawmakers on 14 December, Han took over presidential duties - only to be impeached himself less than two weeks later for allegedly undermining the constitution. The opposition Democratic Party accused him of aiding Yoon’s martial law plan and refusing to appoint constitutional court justices or pass a bill investigating First Lady Kim Keon-hee. However, the court found no evidence to support these accusations; only one of eight judges supported the impeachment. Han welcomed the ruling, calling it ‘wise’. The nation now awaits the court’s decision on whether Yoon will be impeached.

Thousands of Indonesians are protesting against their government's attempt to reverse a constitutional court ruling that would allow smaller parties to field candidates without needing 20% representation in regional assemblies. Demonstrations have erupted in Jakarta and other major cities as the parliament, dominated by supporters of outgoing president Joko Widodo, and his successor, Prabowo Subianto, swiftly moved to pass emergency legislation. This would maintain the status quo, favouring the ruling coalition: it would also prevent a prominent critic, Anies Baswedan, from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor. The court also upheld the current minimum age limit of thirty for candidates, which would bar Mr Widodo's 29-year-old son from running in a regional contest in Central Java. Despite widespread condemnation, the government has downplayed the situation as part of the ‘checks and balances’ of governance.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, has been officially endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn as Thailand’s new prime minister, just two days after her election by parliament. The country’s youngest and second female leader, she follows in the footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, the country's first female premier. She has taken over after the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the constitutional court. In her first speech, she pledged to govern with an open heart, emphasising stability and continuity. She has vowed to maintain key policies of her predecessor, focusing on economic stimulus, healthcare reform, tackling illegal drugs, and promoting gender diversity. The economy is a real concern for voters, with many asking why her party has failed to fulfil its promise to give about $300 to every voter in Thailand.