Three Bills Including Amendment to the Act on the Treatment of Former Presidents Introduced
"Committed to the Complete Eradication of Insurrection and the Livelihood Stability of Farming and Fishing Households"
Geumju Moon, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Moon Geumju, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin in South Jeolla Province), announced on July 20 that she has introduced three bills as the lead sponsor: an amendment to the Act on the Treatment of Former Presidents, an amendment to the Agricultural Cooperatives Act, and an amendment to the Act on the Management and Support of Distribution of Fishery Products.
These amendments are intended to ensure the complete eradication of insurrection and to promote the livelihood stability of farming and fishing households. The amendment to the Act on the Treatment of Former Presidents clearly stipulates that "security and protection" currently provided to former presidents can be restricted if they are removed from office by the Constitutional Court for serious crimes such as insurrection or treason.
Under the current law, certain privileges are maintained for former presidents even if they have been sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier punishment, which has drawn criticism for being out of step with public sentiment. The amendment reflects this controversy by stipulating that all forms of state privileges will be restricted for former presidents who have been removed from office due to serious crimes.
The amendment to the Agricultural Cooperatives Act expands membership eligibility, which is currently granted only to livestock business operators. Previously, spouses or family members who are substantively engaged in the livestock industry could not obtain membership without separate proof. In response to the decline in livestock farms and to better reflect current realities, the amendment allows all those engaged in the livestock industry to qualify as members. The aim is to strengthen the representation of the cooperative and to protect the rights and interests of those working in the livestock sector.
The amendment to the Act on the Management and Support of Distribution of Fishery Products allows the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries to designate joint fish markets and requires that these designated markets be used according to fish species. This is intended to correct distribution practices and prevent price manipulation.
Moon stated, "There is strong public sentiment against providing security and protection at taxpayers' expense to former presidents who have committed serious crimes such as insurrection. Through this amendment, we aim to provide institutional support for the complete eradication of insurrection by restricting all privileges for former presidents removed from office due to serious crimes."
Moon also emphasized, "To ensure the management stability and sustainability of farming and fishing households, it is necessary to boldly eliminate unnecessary regulations and strengthen those that are truly needed, achieving a balanced administrative response. I will continue to pursue legislative activities that provide practical support for the livelihood stability of farming and fishing households and the improvement of the quality of life for the public."
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