Seoul: Acting President Han Duck-soo has exercised his veto power on a controversial bill aimed at restricting his authority to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Han, where a motion to reconsider the revision of the Constitutional Court Act was approved. This motion will now return to the National Assembly for a revote.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the proposed amendment was introduced by the liberal Democratic Party following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 4. The amendment, which passed the National Assembly on April 17, sought to prevent Han from appointing two nominees to the Constitutional Court during his tenure as acting president. Han argued that the amendment conflicted with the constitutional governance structure and violated the separation of powers.

“The proposed amendment stipulates into law important points related to the basics of the constitutionally provided governance structure and separation of powers, and contains substance in conflict with the current rules of the Constitution,” Han stated during the meeting. He further emphasized that Article 71 of the Constitution allows the prime minister to exercise presidential powers by proxy without imposing additional restrictions on the acting president’s duties.

The Constitutional Court, composed of nine justices, sees three each appointed by the president, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court chief justice. The bill aimed to prohibit an acting president from appointing the three justices typically chosen by the president, while permitting appointments of those selected by the Assembly and the Supreme Court chief justice.

In addition to his veto decision, Han expressed optimism regarding the recent “2+2” trade talks between South Korea and the United States, highlighting the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. He acknowledged the challenges ahead in concluding negotiations by July, emphasizing decisions would be made in the national interest.

On the matter of the government’s extra budget proposal, Han reiterated the need for swift approval by the National Assembly, citing the challenging economic environment. He assured that the government’s approach to the budget discussions would be flexible and forward-looking, ensuring effective use of taxpayer funds.