Support for Former President? Controversy Erupts Over "Preferential Ordinance"

[Anchor]

The Daegu Metropolitan Government is considering the enactment of an ordinance to support the activities of former presidents residing in Daegu. While the move is intended to fulfill a campaign pledge made by the mayor, it is sparking growing controversy as civic groups denounce it as a preferential ordinance tailored for a specific individual.

TBC reporter Kim Yong-woo reports.

[Reporter]

The enactment of an ordinance to support the activities of former presidents is one of the campaign pledges made by Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho.

Mayor Choo emphasized the necessity of such an ordinance both during his time as a candidate and as the mayor-elect.

[Interview] Choo Kyung-ho / Mayor of Daegu (June 8): "I have stated that if it is within a scope that does not conflict with higher-level laws, I would like to serve, show respect, and provide support if possible."

It is reported that the ordinance to support former presidents' activities was included in the policy tasks of the 9th popularly elected administration during the transition process.

However, it has been determined that the specific timing of the enactment and the details of the ordinance are still under internal review.

If the ordinance is enacted, former President Park Geun-hye, who resides in Daegu, is expected to be the sole beneficiary.

The issue is that an ordinance supporting the activities of former President Park, who was stripped of her privileges as a former president due to her impeachment, may conflict with higher-level laws.

Although an amendment to the Act on Honorable Treatment of Former Presidents has been proposed, it is difficult to predict whether the bill will pass.

Civic groups are calling for an immediate withdrawal of the ordinance, arguing that it is essentially a law tailored to a specific person, namely former President Park Geun-hye, and the controversy is intensifying.

[Interview] Kang Geum-soo / Secretary General of Daegu People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy: "Will it truly be helpful for Daegu City for an impeached former president to step forward and engage in activities? There is a significant concern that it will only fuel controversy and further solidify the image of Daegu as a regressive city."

Attention is now focused on what solution the 9th popularly elected Daegu administration, which has championed a policy of empathy and civic participation, will present regarding the enactment of this ordinance to support the activities of a former president.

(Video by Park Jong-young, TBC)

TBC Kim Yong-woo

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