Policy paralysis over Roh's impeachment

[UpInArms]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FC24Dg01.html

The National Assembly's impeachment of President Roh Moo- hyun on March 12 has plunged South Korea into a leadership crisis that will stall implementation of necessary political and fiscal reforms, impede progress on six-way talks with North Korea and undermine confidence in South Korea's economic future.

In the near term, the impeachment has unleashed a furious public backlash against the opposition parties that will likely result in a dramatic downturn in the April 15 legislative elections, while Roh and his favored Uri (Our Open Party) Party will gain favor from the populace. In the longer-term, however, although it is expected that the constitutional court will restore Roh's presidential powers, his ability to effectively govern during the remaining four years of his term has been permanently damaged.

<snip>

Analysts expect the court will rescind the impeachment vote, based on the infraction not meeting the threshold of an impeachable offense. The court may also adopt a holistic approach by taking into account public opinion, which has been overwhelming against the impeachment decision.

<snip>

Regardless of the outcome of the constitutional court's deliberations, the ability of the political parties to work together has been dealt a resounding blow, with the fissures between the parties exacerbated by the impeachment. The level and ferocity of acrimony within the National Assembly will escalate and further impair its ability to reach consensus on necessary legislation.

...more...

Does this scenario remind anyone of something?

[chenGOD]

1. The oppostion parties might have just shot themselves....

They even have junior members calling to rescind the impeachment motion.

Best scenario? Roh gets re-instated (which is really the only possible outcome by the supreme court), the Uri party wins a vast majority of seats in parliament...


ah, flights of fantasy.