TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) plans to host a meeting with the heads of the five branches next Monday (Feb. 10) to address severe political polarization in Taiwan, said Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on Friday (Feb. 7).
Kuo revealed that Lai aims to foster collaboration among the heads of the five branches (yuan) of government at the Presidential Office amid challenges posed by domestic and international political and economic pressures.
The spokesperson said Lai will convene the meeting at 3 p.m. on Monday, utilizing his constitutional powers to enhance inter-branch cooperation. Kuo emphasized that Lai feels the public's urgent desire for societal unity and progress. The central government's budget cuts and freezes, which have reached 30%, have significantly hindered governance.
Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤), a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator, expressed support for the initiative, stating that the president will do everything possible to stabilize society and democratic processes. Meanwhile, a Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) stressed prioritizing national interests and avoiding actions that exacerbate divisions, especially amid the U.S. tariff war under U.S. President Donald Trump.
The DPP acknowledged Lai's commitment to resolving conflicts and advancing key policies, while the KMT welcomed bipartisan harmony but cautioned against inconsistent actions, urging joint efforts for national benefit.
