Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan Parliament unanimously approved this Monday the Draft Law on the Statute of Former Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Republic.
The diploma, from the Legislative initiative of the Holder of the Executive Branch, was approved with 188 votes in favour, no votes against and no abstentions, at the 8th Ordinary Plenary Meeting of the 1st Legislative Session of the V Legislature of the National Assembly.
The document that regulates the rights and duties is applicable to former Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Republic, excluding those who have been removed from office, as well as those who have abandoned their function.
The Proposed Law determines that they are entitled to a lifetime monthly subsidy corresponding to the base salary of the President and Vice-President of the Republic in office and cumulative with the retirement pension to which they are entitled, personal doctor, health insurance, extended to the spouse and minor children, incapacitated children or ascendants and family housing assigned by the State and support staff.
They are also entitled to protocol and support vehicles provided and assisted by the State, officers at orders, security guaranteed by State bodies, work office and staff to support the office and annual holiday trip with 1st class airfare, allowances of cost for themselves, spouse and minor or incapable children inside or outside the country.
Articles Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Republic lose the rights provided for in the diploma in question if they are convicted by a final judgment for crimes of treason and espionage, crimes of bribery, embezzlement and corruption and others that seriously harm the State Democratic and Law.
They also lose the rights provided for in this Law if they acquire any foreign nationality.
The document establishes secrecy and confidentiality as the main duties of all matters that the Former Presidents and Vice-Presidents were aware of during their tenure in office, in addition to the duties provided for in the state secrecy regime.
Former Presidents and Vice-Presidents are prohibited from carrying out any activity in the private sector for a period of five years, and this impediment does not cover teaching activities, scientific research or service provision in non-profit entities.
Former Presidents and Vice-Presidents leave positions of unquestionable national leadership and popular legitimacy, in which they were at the head of the entire administrative machinery of the State, including the military.
When they cease, they have with them a large network of information and knowledge that makes them fundamental elements of the State.
voting explanations
Deputy Álvaro Daniel, from UNITA, justified that his party voted in favor of the diploma because he considered it essential “the dignification of those who, for some time in their political career, dedicated themselves body and soul to the conduct of our sacred destinies”.
He considered it an important instrument in the spirit of building and consolidating the Democratic State and the rule of law.
Deputy Gonçalves Muandumba, from the MPLA, stressed the importance of approving the diploma because “being President of the Republic is an honor and a duty to represent the people who elected him”.
For you, talking about the President of the Republic is talking about an institution that deserves respect and consideration during and after the political exercise.
On the other hand, deputy Francisco Dinis, from the PHA, said that with the approval of this Law, democracy gains “because there is an explicit recognition of the importance of the alternation of power and smooth transition and, on the other hand, possible conflicts are prevented politicians”.
Deputy Benedito Daniel, from the Mixed PRS/FNLA parliamentary group, also welcomed the approval of the diploma as he considers the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Republic to be natural and important advisers of the State and who cannot be left unprotected.
Angola was once led by Agostinho Neto and José Eduardo dos Santos. Currently, the head of the Angolan State is assumed by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço.
ANGOP
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
