The South Korean president has declared emergency martial law, citing North Korean threats and domestic “anti-state forces”.

In a televised address to the nation, Yoon Suk-yeol vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order”.

He said the opposition’s impeachment attempts and budget cuts had paralysed the government, but promised swift action to “rebuild and protect” the country.

Martial law normally means government by military rule and the suspension of parliament and ordinary law.

The surprise move comes as Yoon’s People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party continue to bicker over next year’s budget bill.

Last week, opposition MPs last week approved a significantly downsized budget plan through a parliamentary committee.